Feijoada is one of the most iconic and beloved recipes in Brazilian cuisine. This dish, considered by many as the ultimate representation of the country’s gastronomy, offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Made with black beans, various pork meats such as dried beef, sausage, and bacon, along with a mix of typical seasonings, feijoada is a true festival of aromas and flavors. Slow and meticulous cooking is essential to ensure that the ingredients blend perfectly, resulting in a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful dish.
Traditionally served with accompaniments such as white rice, sautéed collard greens, crunchy farofa, and slices of orange to balance the flavors, feijoada is a complete gastronomic experience. Whether enjoyed at a family Sunday lunch, a gathering with friends, or at a renowned restaurant, feijoada is always a warm and delicious choice that is sure to leave all diners satisfied.
If you want to explore the richness of Brazilian cuisine, be sure to try feijoada – a true celebration of the best flavors of Brazil.
Ingredients:
500g black beans
300g dried beef
300g pork meat (such as ribs, loin, or pork feet)
200g Calabrese sausage
200g Portuguese sausage
200g bacon
2 large onions, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and parsley for serving
Farofa, white rice, sautéed collard greens, and sliced oranges for serving
Instructions:
1 Preparing the meats: Soak the dried beef in water overnight, changing the water a few times to remove excess salt. The next day, drain the water and cut the dried beef into medium-sized pieces. Then, in a pressure cooker, cook the dried beef, pork meat, and sausages in enough water to cover them for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the water and set the cooked meats aside.
2 Preparing the beans: In another pressure cooker, place the washed and drained black beans. Cover with water, add the bay leaves, and cook under pressure for about 20 minutes after boiling starts. Set aside.
3 Preparing the sauté: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and fry until golden and crispy. Then, add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are golden and fragrant.
4 Assembling the feijoada: Add the cooked meats to the sautéed onions and garlic, mixing well. Then, add the cooked beans and let it simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Finishing: Serve the feijoada hot, accompanied by white rice, sautéed collard greens, sliced oranges, farofa, and chopped green onions and parsley on top.
This feijoada recipe serves approximately 8 to 10 people, depending on the appetite and portion sizes served.
Now, you can enjoy this typical Brazilian dish with your family and friends!