Hearty Feijoada Black Bean and Pork Stew
A traditional Brazilian slow-cooked stew combining black beans with smoky pork cuts and savory spices for a rich, comforting meal. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 145 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, cubed pork shoulder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 8 oz, sliced smoked pork sausage (chorizo or linguiça)
- 8 oz, cubed pork shoulder
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup for garnish chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans under cold water and soak them in 4 cups water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Step 2: Drain the soaked beans and place in a large pot with 6 cups fresh water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp salt; bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Step 3: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and sauté 1 medium diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz cubed pork shoulder and 8 oz sliced smoked pork sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes.
- Step 5: Transfer the pork and aromatics into the bean pot, stir in 1 tsp orange zest and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro alongside white rice or collard greens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hearty Feijoada Black Bean and Pork Stew take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (15 min prep + 130 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 Feijoada 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 dried black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Feijoada 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 Hearty Feijoada 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 Hearty Feijoada 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.
