Brazilian Feijoada (Black Bean Stew)

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black beans (soaked overnight) 🫘
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 large onion, chopped 🧅
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 1 bay leaf 🌿
• 0.5 lb pork shoulder, cubed 🐖
• 0.5 lb beef chuck or stew meat, cubed 🥩
• 0.25 lb bacon, chopped 🥓
• 0.5 lb smoked sausage or linguica, sliced 🔥
• Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
• 1 orange, sliced (to serve) 🍊
• White rice (for serving) 🍚
• Collard greens or kale (optional, sautéed) 🥬

Instructions

1. 1In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until golden and fragrant (about 5 min).
2. 2Add the bacon and let it render for a few minutes. Then add the pork shoulder and beef chunks. Brown all the meat well.
3. 3Stir in the sausage and cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned.
4. 4Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the bay leaf. Cover with enough water to submerge everything by 2 inches.
5. 5Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.
6. 6Season with salt and black pepper in the last 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf before serving.
7. 7Serve hot with fluffy white rice, sautéed greens, and a slice of orange on the side for that citrusy contrast.