The Perfect Brazilian Feijoada: A Weekend Recipe

Learn how to make Brazil's most iconic dish with ingredients available in Denmark. This complete guide includes tips, variations, and the secret to authentic flavor!

What is Feijoada? 🫘

Feijoada is Brazil's national dish – a rich, hearty black bean stew made with various cuts of pork. Traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it's the ultimate comfort food that brings family and friends together.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8) 🛒

For the Feijoada:

• 500g dried black beans (soak overnight)
• 300g smoked pork ribs
• 200g pork sausage (linguiça or chorizo)
• 150g bacon, diced
• 200g pork belly, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Traditional Accompaniments:

• White rice
• Farofa (toasted cassava flour)
• Sliced oranges
• Collard greens (couve)
• Malagueta pepper sauce

🛍️ Get authentic ingredients: All the Brazilian products you need are available at Made in Market.

Step-by-Step Instructions 👨‍🍳

Day Before:

1. Soak the beans: Rinse black beans and soak in cold water overnight (at least 8 hours). This reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.

Cooking Day:

2. Prepare the meats: Cut all meats into bite-sized pieces. If using salted pork, soak in water for 2 hours to remove excess salt.
3. Start cooking: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add beans and meats: Drain soaked beans and add to the pot along with all meats, bay leaves, and enough water to cover everything by 2 inches.
6. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed to keep everything covered.
7. Create the "caldinho": When beans are tender, remove about 2 cups of beans and mash them. Return to pot – this thickens the stew and creates the signature creamy texture.
8. Final seasoning: Add the reserved bacon back in. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. The feijoada should be thick and rich.

How to Serve 🍽️

The traditional Brazilian way to serve feijoada is family-style on a large table:

1. Place the feijoada in the center in a large serving bowl
2. Arrange white rice in another bowl
3. Serve farofa in a separate bowl (sprinkle on top)
4. Place sliced oranges on a platter
5. Add sautéed collard greens as a side
6. Don't forget the malagueta pepper sauce for those who like heat!

Nordic Adaptations 🇩🇰

Can't find all the traditional meats? Here are some Danish alternatives that work great:

• Instead of linguiça: Use Spanish chorizo or Italian sausage
• Instead of specific cuts: Any pork shoulder or ribs work well
• Vegetarian option: Replace meats with smoked tofu and mushrooms

Wine Pairing 🍷

In Brazil, feijoada is traditionally paired with:

• Caipirinha: Brazil's national cocktail
• Beer: Ice-cold lager or pilsner
• Red wine: Try a Malbec or Syrah if you prefer wine

Shopping List 🛍️

Get everything you need from our trusted partners:

• Black beans → Made in Market
• Farofa → Made in Market
• Malagueta sauce → Made in Market

💰 Save 20% with code CENACULTURALBG at Made in Market!