Feijoada Preto Beans and Pork Stew
A hearty Brazilian black bean stew slow-cooked with smoky pork cuts and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting family meal. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 165 minutes pairs black beans (dried), water, smoked pork shoulder, cubed 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
- 2 cups black beans (dried)
- 8 cups water
- 1 lb smoked pork shoulder, cubed
- 8 oz pork sausage (linguiça), sliced
- 4 oz bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 orange, peeled and quartered
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans and soak in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight, then drain.
- Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 oz diced bacon and cook for 5 minutes until fat renders and pieces turn crisp.
- Step 3: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 5 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 lb cubed smoked pork shoulder and 8 oz sliced pork sausage, cook for 6 minutes to brown the meat.
- Step 5: Add soaked black beans, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 peeled and quartered orange. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Remove bay leaves and orange pieces before serving.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve with steamed white rice and collard greens for a classic Brazilian meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Feijoada Preto Beans 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 Preto Beans 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 Preto Beans 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 Preto Beans 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 Preto Beans 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.
