Slow-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork

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

Deeply flavored stew featuring tender pork shoulder and black beans, simmered with aromatic vegetables for a comforting meal. This brazilian-inspired soups ready in about 165 minutes pairs smoked pork shoulder, dried black beans, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 135 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 450 grams smoked pork shoulder in a Dutch oven, then add 480 milliliters chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
  2. Step 2: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, cover, and cook for 1 hour until pork is tender.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, soak 150 grams dried black beans in water for 1 hour, then drain.
  4. Step 4: Finely chop 1 large yellow onion, 2 celery stalks, and 4 garlic cloves, then sauté in a separate pan with 1 tablespoon oil until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained beans, 400 grams canned diced tomatoes, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the Dutch oven with the pork, then simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until beans are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (30 min prep + 135 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 Slow-Simmered Black Bean Stew 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 smoked pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Black Bean Stew 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 Slow-Simmered Black Bean Stew 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 Slow-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork?

Brazilian soups 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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