Pressure-Cooked Brazilian Black Beans with Smoked Pork

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and flavorful black bean stew cooked in a pressure cooker with smoked pork, perfect served over white rice. This Brazilian recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs black beans, smoked pork shoulder, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups black beans under cold water until water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the pressure cooker pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the onions and cook for 1 more minute until aromatic but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb cubed smoked pork shoulder to the pot and sauté with onions and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown the pork edges.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the rinsed black beans, 6 cups water, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin to the pot.
  6. Step 6: Seal the pressure cooker and bring to high pressure. Cook for 30 minutes, then naturally release pressure for 15 minutes before opening.
  7. Step 7: Remove the bay leaf and stir the beans and pork mixture. If too liquidy, simmer uncovered over medium heat for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pressure-Cooked Brazilian Black Beans with Smoked Pork take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Pressure-Cooked Brazilian Black Beans with Smoked Pork?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pressure-Cooked Brazilian Black Beans with Smoked Pork?

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 Pressure-Cooked Brazilian Black Beans with Smoked Pork 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 Pressure-Cooked Brazilian Black Beans with Smoked Pork?

Brazilian brazilian 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.

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