Slow-Simmered Brazilian Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Brazilian feijoada featuring black beans simmered slowly with smoked pork cuts and aromatics for a rich, soulful stew. This brazilian-inspired brazilian ready in about 165 minutes pairs dried black beans, diced bacon, large, diced yellow 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.

★ 4.7 (230 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans thoroughly and soak in cold water overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 oz diced bacon and cook for 5 minutes until fat renders and edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 5 minced garlic cloves to the bacon, sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 lb smoked pork shoulder cubes and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, cooking for 6 minutes until meats are browned and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Drain soaked beans and add them to the pot along with 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp orange zest. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and stew is thickened.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  8. Step 8: Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with fresh orange slices to brighten the rich stew.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Brazilian Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork 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 Slow-Simmered Brazilian 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 dried black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Brazilian 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 Brazilian 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 Brazilian Black Bean Stew 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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