Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Pork Sausage and Black Beans
A hearty Brazilian stew of black beans and savory pork sausage, slowly simmered to deepen flavors and create a rich, comforting dish. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 130 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 8 cups water
- 12 oz, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds smoked pork sausage
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 strip, about 1 inch long (optional) orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans thoroughly under cold water and soak in 4 cups water overnight or at least 8 hours.
- Step 2: Drain soaked beans and transfer to a large heavy pot with 8 cups fresh water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 strip of orange peel; bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer gently, partially covered, for 1 hour until beans are tender but not mushy.
- Step 3: While beans cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz sliced smoked pork sausage to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp on edges.
- Step 5: Transfer the sausage mixture into the pot with beans, season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, stir well, and continue simmering uncovered for another 30 minutes until the broth thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves and orange peel before serving. Serve hot, traditionally with white rice and orange slices if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Pork Sausage and Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 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 Pork Sausage and Black Beans?
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 Pork Sausage and Black Beans?
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 Pork Sausage and Black Beans 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 Pork Sausage and Black Beans?
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.
