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