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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
