Hearty Brazilian Black Bean and Pork Stew (Feijoada)
A rich and comforting black bean stew simmered with pork sausage and smoky bacon, embodying Brazil’s beloved national dish. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 165 minutes pairs dried black beans, diced bacon, chopped large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 dried black beans
- 8 oz, sliced smoked pork sausage (chorizo or linguiça)
- 4 oz, diced bacon
- 1, chopped large onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1 lb dried black beans in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat, add 4 oz diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced smoked pork sausage and sauté together with bacon for 4 minutes until browned and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 chopped large onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 5: Add the drained black beans, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp orange zest to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Step 6: Cover partially and let stew cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beans are tender and the stew is thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, remove bay leaves, and serve hot with white rice and chopped fresh parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hearty Brazilian Black Bean and Pork Stew (Feijoada) 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 Hearty Brazilian Black Bean and Pork Stew (Feijoada)?
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 Hearty Brazilian Black Bean and Pork Stew (Feijoada)?
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 Hearty Brazilian Black Bean and Pork Stew (Feijoada) 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 Hearty Brazilian Black Bean and Pork Stew (Feijoada)?
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.
