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Brazilian Feijoada

Authentic Brazilian Feijoada Recipe: A Hearty Taste of Brazil’s Soul


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

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

  1. Soak the Beans: Rinse and soak black beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until golden and fragrant. Add smoked paprika, bay leaves, and black pepper.
  4. 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.
  5. Adjust Seasoning: Add salt to taste and adjust the consistency with water if needed. The texture should be hearty and creamy.
  6. 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