Feijoada Light: Black Bean and Pork Stew with Citrus
A lighter take on Brazil's classic black bean stew featuring lean pork cuts and a bright citrus finish to balance the rich flavors. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 130 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, sliced smoked turkey sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 1 cup dried black beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes lean pork shoulder
- 8 oz, sliced smoked turkey sausage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1, juiced and zested orange
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and soak 1 cup dried black beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed lean pork shoulder and 8 oz sliced smoked turkey sausage; brown the meat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the soaked black beans, 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beans are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in the juice and zest of 1 orange and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; cook for 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve with steamed white rice or sautéed greens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Feijoada Light: Black Bean and Pork Stew with Citrus take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 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 Light: Black Bean and Pork Stew with Citrus?
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 dried black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Feijoada Light: Black Bean and Pork Stew with Citrus?
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 Light: Black Bean and Pork Stew with Citrus 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 Light: Black Bean and Pork Stew with Citrus?
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.
