Brazilian Feijoada
Brazil's national dish — Feijoada — is a hearty black bean stew with various cuts of pork, including sausage, ribs, and salted pork. Slow-cooked until rich and velvety, served with rice and orange.
30
Prep Time (min)
120
Cook Time (min)
8
servings
560
Calories/serving
Medium
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 500 black beans (soaked overnight)
- 250 smoked sausage (linguiça) (sliced)
- 250 pork ribs (cut into pieces)
- 200 smoked pork (paio) (sliced)
- 200 carne seca (salted beef) (soaked, cubed)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
6 steps · ~101 minutes total
Prepare meats
Soak carne seca in cold water overnight, changing water several times, to remove excess salt. Drain before using.
5 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Cook beans
Drain soaked beans. In a pressure cooker or large pot, cook beans with bay leaves and enough water to cover by 5cm. Pressure cook 30 min or simmer 1.5 hours.
60 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Brown the meats
In a large heavy pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add all meats and brown lightly.
8 minutesMake sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.Combine and simmer
Add cooked beans with their liquid to the meat pot. Simmer together for 30-40 minutes until the stew thickens and flavors meld.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Adjust seasoning
Crush a few beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the stew. Season with salt and pepper.
5 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Serve
Serve in bowls over white rice, with sautéed collard greens (couve), sliced oranges, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).
8 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your brazilian meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Brazilian Feijoada is a beloved dish from Brazilian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 150 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.
Brazilian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wednesday and Saturday are the traditional Feijoada days in Brazil, especially Saturday for a leisurely lunch with family.
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Nutrition Facts
8 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
