Feijoada

Feijoada is an iconic dish of Brazilian cuisine, considered by many to be the “national dish” of Brazil. Its origins date back to the colonial period, more specifically to the adaptation of enslaved Africans who creatively used simple ingredients to create a nutritious and tasty meal. Feijoada emerged when these workers, with little access to quality meat, began to cook black beans together with less noble parts of pork, such as ears, feet and tails, which were made available by their masters. Over time, the dish gained influences from other cultures. The presence of beans, a basic ingredient in the diet of indigenous people, combined with the introduction of Portuguese spices and techniques, shaped what we know today as feijoada completa. From its simple and modest origins, feijoada has become a symbol of Brazil's cultural and historical wealth, reflecting the fusion of several influences: African, Portuguese and indigenous. Traditionally, feijoada is prepared for special occasions and celebrations, especially during the famous Saturday “feijoadas” where friends and family gather around the table. Today, feijoada is a central dish in Brazilian cuisine, being enjoyed not only in Brazil but also recognized internationally as one of the country’s greatest gastronomic treasures.

RECIPES

6/19/20241 min read

FEIJOADA

INGREDIENTS:

- 500g of black beans

- 200g of dried beef

- 200g of salted pork ribs

- 200g of calabresa sausage

- 200g of paio sausage

- 100g of bacon

- 100g of pork ears

- 100g of pork feet

- 100g of pork tails

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 4 garlic cloves, chopped

- Salt to taste

- Black pepper to taste

- Fresh herbs (parsley and green onions) to taste

- Oil or olive oil for sautéing

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preparing the Meat:

- Desalt the dried beef, pork ribs, pork feet, pork ears, and pork tails: soak them in water for at least 12 hours, changing the water several times.

- Cut the dried beef, pork ribs, calabresa sausage, paio sausage, bacon, ears, feet, and tails into smaller pieces.

2. Cooking the Beans:

- In a large pot, cook the black beans with the bay leaves in enough water to cover them. Cook until the beans are tender (about 1 hour). If needed, add more water during cooking.

3. Preparing the Meat:

- In a large skillet, heat some oil or olive oil and fry the bacon until golden.

- Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until golden.

- Add the dried beef, pork ribs, ears, feet, tails, calabresa sausage, and paio sausage. Fry everything together until well browned.

4. Combining Beans and Meat:

- When the beans are cooked, add the fried meats to the pot of beans.

- Cook over low heat for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

- Adjust salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Finishing:

- Add chopped fresh herbs before serving.

6. Side Dishes:

- Serve feijoada with white rice, sautéed collard greens, orange slices, and farofa.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Brazilian feijoada!