Description
Feijoada is Brazil’s most beloved dish — a rich, smoky black bean stew slow-simmered with tender meats, garlic, onions, and aromatic spices. This authentic Brazilian recipe is hearty, comforting, and full of soul, perfect for family gatherings or a weekend feast served with rice, greens, and orange slices.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Feijoada Base:
- 2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 lb beef stew meat or short ribs, cut into chunks
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb salted beef or smoked turkey leg (optional)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Orange slices
- Sautéed kale or collard greens
- Farofa (toasted cassava flour)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Chili flakes
- Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Rinse and soak black beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Brown the Meats: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef and sausage; sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until golden and fragrant. Add smoked paprika, bay leaves, and black pepper.
- Simmer the Stew: Add beans, browned meats, beef broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and the broth is rich and thickened.
- Adjust Seasoning: Add salt to taste and adjust the consistency with water if needed. The texture should be hearty and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with white rice, sautéed greens, orange slices, and farofa. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use smoked meats for deep, authentic flavor — smoked sausage, bacon, or turkey legs work great.
- Don’t rush it: Low, slow simmering brings out the best texture and taste.
- Let it rest overnight — the flavor deepens beautifully the next day.
- Serve with citrus like orange slices to balance the richness.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Vegetarian option: Replace meats with roasted vegetables and mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
- Regional tip: Add dried shrimp or extra spices for a Bahian-style version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow-Cooked / Stew
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feijoada, Brazilian Black Bean Stew, Authentic Brazilian Recipe, Traditional Feijoada, Slow Cooked Black Beans, Brazilian Comfort Food