Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder
A hearty Brazilian stew combining tender pork shoulder and black beans, slowly simmered with smoky sausage and aromatic spices for rich depth of flavor. This brazilian ready in about 200 minutes pairs dried black beans, ounces, sliced chorizo sausage, ounces, diced smoked bacon 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
- 2 cups dried black beans
- 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 8 ounces, sliced chorizo sausage
- 4 ounces, diced smoked bacon
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 1, sliced orange
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans under cold water until clear, then soak in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 4 ounces diced smoked bacon and cook for 5 minutes until crispy and fat rendered.
- Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat, sauté for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1.5 pounds cubed pork shoulder, browning for 6-7 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Step 5: Add 8 ounces sliced chorizo sausage, cooking for 3 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Step 6: Drain the soaked black beans and add them to the pot along with 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 sliced orange, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially. Simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and beans are soft.
- Step 8: Remove bay leaves and orange slices. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves for a fresh herbal contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (10 min prep + 190 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder?
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 Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder?
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 Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder?
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.
