Feijoada

Feijoada is considered Brazil’s national dish — a rich, hearty black bean stew slow-cooked with different cuts of pork and sausage. It’s comforting, full of flavour, and perfect for sharing with family and friends on weekends.

Ingredients (serves 6–8 people)

• 500g black beans (soaked overnight)
• 300g pork ribs
• 200g pork sausage (linguiça)
• 200g bacon or pancetta
• 150g dried salted beef (carne seca) – optional but traditional
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cumin
• Orange slices to serve

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the beans: Drain the soaked beans and cook them in a large pot with water, bay leaves, and a bit of salt until soft (about 1–1.5 hours in a regular pot or 40 minutes in a pressure cooker).

2. Cook the meats: In another pan, fry the chopped bacon, ribs, sausage, and carne seca until golden. Remove excess fat.

3. Build the stew: Add chopped onion and garlic to the meats and sauté. Then transfer everything into the pot with the beans. Add more water if needed and let it simmer on low heat for at least 1–2 hours so the flavours meld together. Stir occasionally.

4. Final touch: Taste and adjust seasoning. Some people mash a few beans to thicken the broth.

5.Serve: Traditionally served with white rice, collard greens (couve mineira), farofa (toasted cassava flour), and fresh orange slices to cut the richness.

It tastes even better the next day!