Simplified Brazilian Feijoada 🫘✨

New Recipe

Simplified Brazilian Feijoada 🫘✨

Ingredients:

• For the Feijoada:

  • 1 lb (450 g) black beans (dried or canned)
  • 1 lb (450 g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • ½ lb (225 g) smoked sausage, sliced
  • ½ lb (225 g) bacon, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth (or water, if using canned beans)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• For serving:

  • Steamed white rice
  • Orange slices
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the beans:

   • If using dried beans, soak them overnight, then drain and rinse. If using canned beans, rinse and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomato, smoked paprika, and cumin.

3. Cook the meats:

   • Add the pork chunks and sausage to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Simmer the Feijoada:

   • Add the beans, cooked bacon, bay leaves, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1½ to 2 hours (or until the beans and pork are tender). Stir occasionally and add water if necessary to prevent sticking.

5. Season and finish:

   • Remove bay leaves and season the Feijoada with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in.

6. Serve:

   • Spoon the Feijoada over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with orange slices on the side for a traditional touch.

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Optional Variations:

• Seafood Twist: Add shrimp or fish in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a coastal-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with a mix of smoked tofu, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes.
• Spicy Addition: Add chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for heat.