Feijoada Carioca Black Bean and Pork Stew
A hearty Brazilian black bean stew slowly simmered with pork cuts and smoked sausage, infused with garlic and bay leaf. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, diced bacon, chopped large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, soaked overnight and drained black beans
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds smoked sausage (linguiça)
- 4 oz, diced bacon
- 1, chopped large onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups water
- 1, peeled and sliced orange
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 4 oz diced bacon and cook for 5 minutes until crisp and fat rendered.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage. Brown the meats for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until nicely caramelized.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 chopped large onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups soaked and drained black beans, 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
- Step 5: Simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and stew thickens. Add 1 peeled and sliced orange during the last 30 minutes for a subtle citrus note.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves, discard orange slices, and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve with white rice and sautéed collard greens for a complete meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Feijoada Carioca Black Bean and Pork Stew take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Feijoada Carioca Black Bean and Pork Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced bacon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Feijoada Carioca Black Bean and Pork Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Feijoada Carioca Black Bean and Pork Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Feijoada Carioca Black Bean and Pork Stew?
Brazilian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
