Feijoada Recipe How to Prepare the Traditional Brazilian Dish

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A feijoada recipe It is one of the most beloved dishes by Brazilians. Rich in flavors and with a remarkable history, this typical delicacy is perfect for bringing family and friends together on special occasions.

If you want to learn how to prepare a complete feijoada, with authentic ingredients and essential tips to make it even tastier, this guide is for you!

In this article, you will find a detailed step-by-step guide to preparing a authentic feijoada recipe, as well as suggestions for accompaniments and tricks to enhance the flavor. Let's go!

The History of Feijoada

A feijoada Its origins date back to the colonial period and it was inspired by European dishes based on beans and meat. Over time, Brazilians adapted the recipe, incorporating ingredients such as dried meat, sausage, ribs and typical seasonings.

Today, the feijoada It is a symbol of national gastronomy and is present on restaurant menus and family lunches throughout the country.

Ingredients for the Complete Feijoada Recipe

To prepare a complete and tasty feijoada, you will need the following ingredients:

Main ingredients:

  • 1 kg of black beans
  • 300g dried meat
  • 300g pork ribs
  • 200g pork loin
  • 200g of sausage
  • 200g of calabresa sausage
  • 200g bacon
  • 1 pig's foot (optional)
  • 1 pig ear (optional)
  • 1 pork tail (optional)

Seasonings and accompaniments:

  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 4 crushed garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives
  • 1 whole orange without peel (helps reduce the fat in the feijoada)
  • Oil or lard for sautéing

Suggested side dishes:

  • White rice
  • Bacon stuffing
  • Braised cabbage
  • sliced orange
  • Crispy pork rinds
  • Simple vinaigrette

Step by Step: How to Prepare the Feijoada Recipe

Now that you have all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare a perfect feijoada:

1. Desalting the Meat

Before you start preparing your feijoada recipe, it is essential to desalt salted meats, such as dried meat and pig's feet. Follow this process:

  1. Cut the meat into medium pieces.
  2. Place the meats in a bowl with plenty of water and let them soak for 12 to 24 hours.
  3. Change the water every 4 hours to remove excess salt.
  4. After this period, drain and place the meat in a pan with clean water. Cook for 20 minutes and discard this water.

2. Cooking the Beans

  1. Wash it well black beans and place it in a pressure cooker.
  2. Add the bay leaves and cover with water until it exceeds three fingers above the bean.
  3. Cook for approx. 30 minutes after taking pressure.
  4. Set aside the cooked beans with the broth.

3. Preparing the Meats

  1. In a large pan, heat a dash of oil or lard.
  2. Sauté bacon, calabresa sausage and paio, letting it brown well.
  3. Add to dried meat, pork loin and ribs, sautéing for a few more minutes.
  4. Add the onion and the garlic chopped and sauté until golden.

4. Cooking the Feijoada

  1. Add the braised meats to the cooked beans in the large pot.
  2. Put the whole peeled orange inside the pan to help absorb excess fat.
  3. Cook over medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Remove the orange after cooking.

Tips to Make Your Feijoada Even Tastier

If you want to prepare a perfect feijoada, full of flavor and with that home-cooked taste, some techniques can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips to make your feijoada recipe even more irresistible!

1. Choose Quality Ingredients

The secret to a tasty feijoada starts with fresh ingredients of good origin. Always opt for:

  • Black beans of quality, preferably from reliable suppliers to ensure a soft and tasty grain.
  • Smoked and cured meats well selected, such as bacon, sausage and paio, which will give that special flavor to the broth.
  • Pork and beef such as ribs, loin and dried meat, preferably without excess fat to balance the flavors.

Extra tip: If possible, buy meat from specialized butchers and ask for it to be cut to the ideal size for cooking.

2. Cook on Low Heat to Bring Out the Flavors

A traditional feijoada needs time for the flavors of the meats and beans to blend perfectly. To do this:

  • Avoid cooking in a rush! The longer it sits on the fire, the better the flavor.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
  • Cook for at least 1 hour on medium to low heat. after mixing the meats and cooked beans.

Extra tip: Some people like to leave the feijoada cooking for up to 3 hours on low heat, ensuring a full-bodied broth and a perfect texture.

3. Remove Excess Fat

Feijoada is naturally a fatty dish due to the presence of meats such as bacon, ribs and sausages. However, some techniques help to make the dish lighter and more balanced:

  • Use orange without peel: Cooking the feijoada with a whole peeled orange helps absorb some of the fat, as well as giving a light citrus touch to the broth.
  • Remove visible fat from meats before cooking: trim excess fat from jerky and ribs before cooking.
  • Use a ladle to skim off the fat from the top: During cooking, fat rises to the surface. Use a ladle to remove the excess.

Extra tip: If you want a lighter feijoada, the day after preparing it, refrigerate it for a few hours and remove the layer of solidified fat that forms on the surface.

4. Let the Feijoada Rest to Enhance the Flavor

If possible, prepare the feijoada one day in advanceThis allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat better and the broth to be thicker and more flavorful.

  • Rest time makes a difference! After turning off the heat, let the feijoada rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • The next day, the flavor will be even more intense! Just heat well before serving and, if necessary, add a little water to adjust the consistency.

Extra tip: If you have leftover feijoada, you can freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, just add a little water and adjust the seasoning.

5. Adjust the Seasonings for a Special Touch

In addition to the salt, garlic and black pepper, you can increase your homemade feijoada with some seasoning secrets:

  • Bay leaves: enhances the flavor of beans and meats.
  • Calabrian pepper or finger pepper: gives a light spicy touch and a special flavor.
  • Cumin and smoked paprika: they go perfectly with meat and black beans.
  • Cachaça or white wine: a small sip of cachaça or white wine can be added to the stew to give it a special touch.

Extra tip: For a more balanced flavor, add chopped chives (parsley and chives) at the end of the dish.

The Best Side Dishes for Feijoada Recipe

One complete feijoada should be served with traditional accompaniments that balance the flavors and complement the dish. Here are some suggestions:

1. White Rice

Rice is essential to soften the intense flavors of the feijoada and help to harmonize the dish.

2. Bacon Stuffing

Farofa adds crunchiness and a special flavor. To prepare it, simply sauté chopped bacon with onion and garlic, and then mix with cassava flour.

3. Braised Cabbage

Kale adds freshness to the dish and balances the fat in the feijoada. To prepare it:

  1. Slice the cabbage very thinly.
  2. Sauté with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil.
  3. Season with salt and serve hot.

4. Sliced Orange

The orange helps cut the fat in the feijoada and gives a citrus touch to the dish.

5. Crispy Pork Rinds

Pork rinds are a classic side dish. To make them, fry pieces of pork belly in hot oil until crispy.

A feijoada recipe It is a classic dish of Brazilian cuisine, full of tradition and flavor. By following this detailed guide, you will be able to prepare a delicious feijoada, perfect for gathering family and friends.

Now that you've learned the step-by-step, how about trying this one out? feijoada recipe next weekend? Leave a comment telling us how it turned out and share this delicious treat with those you love!

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