Delicious Brazilian Black Bean Stew Recipe for Vegetarians
Attention food lovers! Are you looking for a delicious and hearty dish that will transport your taste buds on a journey to Brazil? Then look no further than this feijoada, the national dish of Brazil!
Feijoada is a delectable black bean stew that has been enjoyed by generations of Brazilians. This traditional feast brings together various cuts of pork and beef, which are then combined with the rich flavors of smoked sausage to create a savory masterpiece.
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I can attest to the popularity of feijoada. Its combination of beans, rice, and juicy meat make it hearty enough to fill you up while also satisfying your cravings for authentic Brazilian flavors.
But don’t worry, just because this is a traditional Brazilian recipe doesn’t mean it’s difficult to make. With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can whip up an amazing feijoada right in their own kitchen. So, grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A dish that is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious – that’s what you’ll get with this Brazilian Black Bean Stew recipe. This stew, also known as Feijoada, is not only a traditional national dish in Brazil but also has fans around the world. And once you try it, you’ll surely understand why!
This recipe combines an abundance of aromatic ingredients, including onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chorizo sausage with tender black beans to make a simple yet satisfying stew. The addition of Canadian bacon gives it a salty depth of flavor and the fresh coriander adds a bright and refreshing note at the end to balance it all out.
But what’s great about this recipe is not just its taste – it’s also incredibly healthy! It’s packed with protein from the beans and various meats like pork ribs and smoked pork. Plus, sweet potatoes and kale contribute vitamins and fiber to the dish. Not to mention, it’s gluten-free!
The combination of the protein-rich black beans and long-grain white rice makes this a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. So whether you’re looking for something hearty to serve for dinner or want a meal prep option to take for lunch during the week – this dish is perfect.
In conclusion, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this Brazilian Black Bean Stew recipe! It’s packed with flavor, incredibly healthy, easy to make, filling, and satisfying. Once you give it a try, we guarantee it will become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound dried black beans soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces slab bacon, rind removed and chopped1 1/2 to 2 lbs. pork ribs cut into 2-3 inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 – 2 lbs. smoked pork (Canadian bacon or chorizo sausage), chopped
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the meat for additional vegetables such as sweet potatoes or mushrooms
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large can of diced tomatoes (about two cups)
- 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped coriander (cilantro)
- 2 cups fresh kale, roughly chopped
Note: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the pot’s wall to thicken the broth.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Soaking The Beans
Ingredients
– 1 pound dried black beans
– Water
In a large bowl, soak 1 pound of black beans overnight in enough water to cover them completely. This helps to soften the beans and shorten the cooking time.
Step 2: Preparing The Bacon and Sausages
Ingredients
– 4 ounces slab bacon, diced into small pieces
– 4 ounces chorizo sausages or Canadian bacon, sliced
In a large pot or a Dutch oven, brown 4 ounces of diced slab bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pot and keep it aside. In the same pot, sear 4 ounces of sliced chorizo or Canadian bacon until lightly browned. Once done, remove it from the pot and keep aside.
Step 3: Preparing The Aromatics
Ingredients
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
– 6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
Using the same pot, add a little olive oil if needed, heat it over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Next add minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
Then add chopped tomatoes along with 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and cook until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step 4: Adding Pork and Beef
Ingredients
– Smoked pork ribs or any leftover pork/beef (optional)
Add the smoked pork ribs, if using any along with any leftover cooked pork or beef to the pot.
Step 5: Putting Everything Together
Ingredients
– Soaked black beans
– Water
– Fresh kale
– Fresh cilantro
Drain the soaked black beans and rinse thoroughly before adding them to the pot. Add enough water to the pot (about 8 cups). Bring everything to a boil and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for about 1-1.5 hours or until the beans are tender. While cooking, keep checking the pot occasionally to add more water if needed.
About 30 minutes before serving, add chopped fresh kale to the pot and stir well. Allow it to cook through before finally mixing in some freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
Serve hot with some long grain white rice on the side!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to Brazilian black bean stew, there is no shortage of ways to switch things up and make it your own. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
– Meat: If you prefer beef or chicken over pork, feel free to substitute them in. Alternatively, you can leave out the meat altogether for a vegan version.
– Vegetables: This recipe calls for sweet potatoes and kale, but you could switch them up with any other vegetables you like, such as carrots or spinach.
– Canadian bacon/chorizo sausage: If you’re unable to find these ingredients, regular bacon or any type of spicy sausage will do.
– Spiciness: If you want to add some extra heat to this dish, consider adding a jalapeño pepper or red pepper flakes.
– Rice: While long-grain white rice is traditional, feel free to swap it out for brown rice, quinoa, or a grain-free option like cauliflower rice.
– Slow cooker: For an even easier preparation method, try making this black bean stew in a slow cooker. Simply put all the ingredients in and let it cook on low for 6–8 hours.
No matter how you choose to customize this dish, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Serving and Pairing
This Brazilian black bean stew recipe is a hearty and filling dish that can easily stand alone as a meal. However, it’s also a versatile dish that can be paired with other foods to create an even more satisfying experience.
One of the most popular ways to serve this stew is over a bed of fluffy long-grain white rice. The nutty flavor of the rice complements the savory black bean flavors perfectly. I suggest cooking the rice separately and then spooning the stew on top of the rice once both are done. Additionally, adding some fresh cilantro (also known as coriander) as a garnish will enhance the overall taste.
Another great pairing is serving the stew with fresh kale salad on the side. This will provide a nice contrast of textures and temperatures between the warm, rich stew and the crispy, cool greens. You can also drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper over your kale salad for extra taste.
If you’re a pork lover, try adding Canadian bacon or pork sausage to this dish during cooking. The added porkiness not only creates an extra layer of flavor but also gives the dish depth and richness.
For vegetarians or vegans, omitting meat makes no difference to this hearty recipe since it’s already packed with protein from black beans itself. Whether you prefer your meat or vegetarian style, this Brazilian black bean soup goes well with seasonal vegetables either steamed, boiled or grilled.
Finally, when it comes to pairing beverages, I personally find that cold beer like “Antarctica” (a renowned Brazilian beer brand) goes exceptionally well with this stew’s flavors; however, any cold light beer or wine such as Pinot Noir can accompany it just as good.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this delicious Brazilian black bean stew recipe, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends alike!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
No Brazilian black bean stew recipe is ever complete without discussing the make-ahead, storing and reheating options. This hearty and flavorful dish makes a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or to prepare in advance for entertaining friends and family. Once cooked, the stew can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
If you are planning to make it ahead of time, let the stew cool down completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that when freezing, some ingredients may change texture once thawed; especially fresh vegetables like kale and sweet potatoes.
To reheat the stew, simply remove from the refrigerator or freezer and heat on medium-low heat on the stovetop until heated through. If you feel like the consistency is too thick after being refrigerated, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
When storing left overs, divide into smaller portions so you have ready-made meals at your fingertips. As it reheats well, this stew make excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Overall, this Brazilian black bean stew can be prepared in advance or frozen and reheated when needed, making it a wonderfully versatile meal that tastes just as delicious every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
One important tip to keep in mind is to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh coriander, kale, tomatoes, and onion will give your Brazilian Black Bean Stew the best flavor possible.
Another key factor for success is to pre-soak the black beans overnight before cooking. This will help to reduce cook time and create a smoother consistency in the finished dish.
To enhance the smoky flavor of this dish, you can add some smoked pork or bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, try adding smoked paprika for a similar effect.
When it comes to slicing the meat for the stew, make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly and creates a balanced combination of flavors throughout the dish.
For those using a slow cooker, be sure to add the ingredients in proper order and allow enough time for them all to cook thoroughly. Additionally, avoid removing the lid or stirring too frequently as this can disrupt the cooking process and affect the consistency of your stew.
Lastly, don’t skimp on seasoning! Taste test your stew several times throughout the cooking process and add any additional spices as needed. A touch of cumin adds an earthy depth while chili flakes or hot sauce can give it some extra heat. With these tips in mind, you’ll create a delicious Brazilian Black Bean Stew that’s rich in flavor and perfectly balanced.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Brazilian Black Bean Stew is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. This dish has been enjoyed for centuries in Brazil and has even become the national dish of the country. The combination of black beans, meat, vegetables, and spices create a thick and rich stew that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
Whether you are a fan of traditional Brazilian cuisine or are simply looking for a new recipe to try out, this stew is sure to impress. With its many variations and substitutions, it can be customized to fit any dietary preferences or taste preferences.
So why not give this recipe a try? Gather up the ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy the taste of Brazil in your own home. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll even find yourself wandering through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, feasting on a steaming bowl of authentic Feijoada.
Brazilian Black Bean Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 quarts water
- 2 lbs black beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb lean boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 lb chorizo sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 lb Canadian bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced jalapenos, fresh
- hot sauce
- 1/2 lb fresh kale, stems discarded and leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Cook beans and bacon in water for 45 minutes; covered. Stir in the beef and simmer the mixture; covered for 45 minutes. Skim fat and stir occasionally. Stir in the sausage and bacon; simmering another 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft (in olive oil). Stir in tomatoes, jalapeño, hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer 2 c of the bean mixture to the onion mixture and mash thoroughly, adding bean liquid as necessary.
- Transfer onion mixture back to bean pot and stir in the kale and rice.
- Simmer 20 minutes. Stir in orange juice, coriander and salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.