Traditional Feijoada Recipe of Brazil | Brazilian Black Bean Stew Recipe

Feijoada is not only a traditional Brazilian dish, it is often considered as the national dish of Brazil.. Feijoada has its origins in Portugal but has become an integral part of Brazilian cuisine, particularly in the regions of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. 

Feijoada has a history tied to the period of slavery in Brazil. It was a dish that originated from the utilization of leftover and less desirable cuts of meat by enslaved Africans. Over time, it evolved into a beloved national dish.

The main ingredients of Feijoada are black beans and various cuts of pork. These can include pork shoulder, sausage, chorizo, bacon, and sometimes beef. It's a hearty and flavorful stew. Feijoada is typically slow-cooked for several hours to allow the flavors to meld and the meats to become tender. It's often prepared in large quantities, making it a popular dish for gatherings and celebrations.

Feijoada is a symbol of Brazilian culture and is often associated with leisurely weekend gatherings, parties, and holidays.

It is commonly served with white rice, collard greens (couve), orange slices, and a spicy pepper sauce called malagueta. These side dishes complement the rich and savory flavors of the Feijoada.

If may try these Japanese recipes also:

1. Kobe Beef Toban Yaki Recipe
2. Toban Beef With Miso Sauce Recipe
3. Yaki Udon Noodles Recipe of Japan
4. Kappa Maki Sushi Recipe of Japan

Ingredients of Traditional Feijoada Recipe of Brazil:

For the Feijoada:

• 1 lb (450g) black beans
• 1 lb (450g) of pork shoulder (cut it into chunks)
• 1/2 lb (225g) sliced smoked sausage
• 1/2 lb (225g) sliced chorizo or linguiça sausage
• 1/2 lb (225g) chopped bacon
• 1/2 lb (225g) pork ribs
• 1/2 lb (225g) pork loin, cut into chunks
• 1 chopped onion
• 4 minced cloves of garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water

For the Side Dishes:

• White rice
• Collard greens (couve), sliced and lightly sautéed with garlic
• Orange slices
• Malagueta pepper sauce (optional)

Instructions of Making Traditional Feijoada of Brazil:

1. Preparing the Beans:

• Rinse the black beans under cold water and soak them overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.

2. Cooking the Feijoada:

• Add the soaked black beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, which can take 1-2 hours. Skim off foam if any  forms on the surface.
• Cook the bacon in a separate pan until it's slightly crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
• In the same pan, brown the chunks of pork shoulder, pork ribs and pork loin. Once they're browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
• Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in the same pan until they're fragrant and translucent.
• Add the browned meats back to the pan along with the sliced smoked sausage and chorizo. Sauté them for a few minutes.

3. Combining Ingredients of Feijoada:

• Add the sautéed mixture of meats, onions and garlic to the pot of cooked black beans.
• Now add the bay leaves to it  and season with salt and pepper according to taste.

4. Simmering:

• Let the Feijoada simmer for at least 3 hour and stir it occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep it from getting too thick. The goal is to achieve a thick, stew-like consistency.

5. Serving of Traditional Feijoada of Brazil:

• Serve the Feijoada hot with white rice, collard greens sautéed with garlic, orange slices, and malagueta pepper sauce if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Brazilian Feijoada! It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially during festive occasions.

You may try this Brazilian recipe also: Empadão de Frango Recipe of Brazil

Recipe Card

Cuisine : Brazilian, Prep Time:15 mins, Cooking Time: 5 hours 15 mins, Total Time: 5 hours 30 mins, Servings: 10 to 12 servings