Feijoada Negra Simmered Black Bean and Pork Stew
A rich and hearty Brazilian black bean stew with tender pork cuts, smoky sausage, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 165 minutes pairs black beans dried, pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes, smoked sausage sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 lb black beans dried
- 1 lb pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 6 oz bacon chopped
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 orange peeled and quartered
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1 lb dried black beans overnight in cold water, then drain and rinse.
- Step 2: In a large heavy pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 oz chopped bacon and cook for 5 minutes until crispy and the fat renders.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Brown all sides, about 7 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the soaked black beans, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 peeled and quartered orange. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Step 6: Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans and pork are tender and the stew is thickened.
- Step 7: Season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Discard bay leaves and orange pieces.
- Step 8: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving for brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Feijoada Negra Simmered Black Bean and Pork Stew take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (15 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 Negra Simmered 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 black beans dried from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Feijoada Negra Simmered 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 Negra Simmered 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 Negra Simmered 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.
