Delicious Brazilian Black Bean Stew Recipe

Are you looking for a hearty and savory recipe that will take your taste buds on a journey to Brazil? Look no further than this Brazilian Black Bean Stew recipe, which is considered the national dish of Brazil.

This recipe is traditionally made with smoked meats such as pork, beef, and chorizo sausage, making it the perfect comfort food for any meat lover. But don’t worry vegetarians or those who prefer to limit their meat intake – this stew can also be made to suit your dietary preferences.

Not only is this dish flavorful and delicious, it is also simple to prepare with ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store. The stars of the dish are undoubtedly the black beans, which are soaked overnight and then slowly cooked with ancho chili, dried oregano, allspice berries, bay leaves, garlic cloves, onion, and tomatoes in a thick and rich broth.

So whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to enjoy leftovers throughout the week, this Brazilian Black Bean Stew is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Follow along with me as I share my tips and tricks for achieving the perfect results and serving suggestions for an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dear foodie friend,

Allow me to introduce you to the mouthwatering Brazilian Black Bean Stew, the national dish of Brazil. This hearty and deliciously rustic black bean stew is peppered with a mix of smoked bacon and chorizo sausage, lamb chops and allspice berries, giving it a rich depth of savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking by substituting the meats for your preference or even making it vegetarian. The black beans soak overnight, ensuring a soft and thick consistency in the final dish. The addition of parsley, ancho chili, dried oregano, bay leaves, garlic cloves, onion, tomatoes, and carrots bring both freshness and depth.

This dish is perfect for those who love soulful comfort food that you can savor on a chilly day while enjoying the company of family and friends. It’s also a great excuse to have fun experimenting with unique blends of flavors until you get it just right.

So why not try something traditional yet exciting? Cook up a pot of Brazilian Black Bean Stew for your next gathering or even for tomorrow night’s dinner. It is truly easy to make but impresses every time — bold flavors continue as leftover too! It is sure to impress everyone at the table, leaving them asking for seconds!

Trust me; it will be worth your time and effort.

Happy cooking!

Yours truly,

A fellow foodie

Ingredient List

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 pound of dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon of canola oil
• 6 ounces of smoked bacon or smoked pork ribs, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ancho chili pepper, stemmed and seeded
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 3 allspice berries
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound of chorizo sausage or lamb chops
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes
Beans

The main ingredient in this Feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew) recipe is the black beans. Make sure to soak the dried beans overnight to allow them to become tender and cook more evenly.

Meat

Traditionally made with salted smoked pork and beef, this stew peppered with smoked bacon or smoked pork ribs gives it a nice smoky flavor. For a healthier option, you can use leaner meats like lamb chops instead.

Chorizo Sausage

Chorizo sausage is usually used to add flavor to the stew. If you don’t have any on hand or prefer a vegetarian option, you can simply omit it from the recipe.

Ancho Chili Pepper

This type of chili pepper adds a mild smokiness and fruity sweetness to the dish. If you cannot find ancho chili peppers, use regular chili powder as a substitute.

Allspice Berries

Allspice berries provide a warm and subtle spice to the stew. You can replace them with ground allspice if whole berries are not available.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves add an earthy aroma and flavor to the stew. Try not to leave them out if possible.

Tomatoes

Fresh diced tomatoes add acidity and freshness to the dish. You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Soak the black beans

Before we start cooking, we need to soak the black beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This will ensure the beans cook evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Cook the smoked meats

In a large pot or slow cooker, brown smoked bacon, chorizo sausage, and pork ribs in canola oil for about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

In the same pot, sauté diced onion, garlic cloves, and diced carrot until they are tender. Add one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add black beans and spices

Now it’s time to add the soaked black beans, along with bay leaves, allspice berries, and dried oregano. Stir together.

Step 5: Simmer and check seasoning

Cover the pot and let everything simmer over low heat for about two hours, or until beans are tender. Check the seasoning at this point, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 6: Serve your Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Discard bay leaves and serve stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if you like.

This recipe will make you feel the flavors of Brazil in your mouth.

Substitutions and Variations

Now that you have the basic Brazilian black bean stew recipe, let’s discuss some substitutions and variations that you can make to suit your taste buds or dietary restrictions.

If you are a vegetarian, replace the meat with vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms. For added flavor and texture, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the broth. You can also use smoked tofu or tempeh instead of meat.

For a traditional Goan spin on this dish, add vinegar to the stew to create a sour and tangy taste. Goans usually make their version of the black bean stew with pork, so if you’re a fan of pork in your stew, this might be another option for you to try.

If you prefer beef over pork or lamb, substitute the meat with cubed beef or even ground beef. The rich flavor of beef pairs well with black beans and adds a unique twist to the traditional Brazilian recipe.

Angolan feijoada is another variation that is often made with both black and white beans along with palm oil instead of olive oil, and smoked fish instead of meats. Try making someone’s day by welcoming them over for dinner and serving them this variation of the dish.

For those who love spicy food, kick up the heat by adding extra ancho chili pepper flakes or fresh jalapenos in your stew. Finish it off with chopped fresh parsley for a refreshing taste.

Finally, if you’re looking for a low-carb option or simply want to change things up, serve your Brazilian black bean stew with cauliflower rice instead of white rice. This substitution will cut down on carbs while still providing a tasty base for your hearty stew.

Feel free to experiment with these variations and substitutions to make your very own version of Brazilian black bean stew.

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving and pairing a dish as rich and flavorful as Brazilian black bean stew, the possibilities are endless. This dish is simply delightful when served hot, straight from the pot after simmering for hours with all its intense flavors. As a hearty main course, it is perfect on its own or paired with a side of fluffy white rice, which will absorb all the delicious juices.

If you’re on the lookout to add a bit more substance to your meal, consider topping the stew with savory smoked pork or beef ribs, lamb chops or crispy bacon slices. Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top provides a fresh and herbal touch that ties all the flavors together.

For those who fancy an indulgent twist, add some chorizo sausage or sliced smoked pork to give it that extra meaty depth you didn’t know was missing. For non-meat eaters, it’s worth noting that feijoada is traditionally served with other accompaniments such as kale, collard greens or even crispy fried plantains for an additional crunch.

Brazilian black bean stew is versatile enough to be paired with various drinks such as red wine or ice-cold beer, caipirinha cocktails made of lime, sugar and cachaça –- Brazil’s national spirit –- or refreshing tropical juices that can complement its spicy and bold taste profile.

Regardless of how you choose to serve it up and pair it, feijoada is sure to win over your taste buds and transport you straight to Brazil.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Preparing Brazilian Black Bean Stew may take some time, therefore, making it ahead of time is a good idea. You can make the recipe up to 3 days in advance and simply reheat it over low heat on the stove. The complex flavors meld together, making this a dish that gets better with time.

When storing leftovers, it is important to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve its freshness. The stew will thicken up after being refrigerated and you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating it on the stove or microwave.

Feijoada also freezes very well. To freeze, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over low heat to enjoy.

It’s essential not to overcook the ingredients if you are planning to store or freeze them. Doing so could cause them to become mushy and lose their textures in the reheating process.

With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Brazilian Black Bean Stew multiple times as a quick and easy dinner option. It’s a good idea always to make some extra portions because everyone will be willing to try this deliciously rustic black bean stew peppered with spices that are traditionally used in Brazil’s national dish, Feijoada.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure that your Brazilian black bean stew turns out perfectly every time, consider following these tips and tricks:

1. Soak the beans overnight: Before you start preparing the stew, make sure to soak the black beans overnight. This process helps to soften the beans, resulting in a creamier and more flavorful stew.

2. Use a slow cooker: To get that authentic Brazilian flavor, consider using a slow cooker to cook your stew. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and infuse together over time, resulting in a thick and rich stew.

3. Experiment with different meats: Although traditional feijoada is made with pork and beef, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of meat. Adding smoked bacon or lamb chops can add an extra level of flavor and depth to your stew.

4. Tailor spices to your tastes: While this recipe calls for ancho chili, dried oregano, allspice berries, bay leaves, and garlic cloves; you can adjust the spice levels according to your preferences. If you like it spicy, add more chili or other hot peppers.

5. Fresh herbs make all the difference: Garnishing your dish with fresh parsley just before serving will bring out all those earthy flavor essences- make sure not to forget about them!

6. Optimize storage space: You can easily store leftover feijoada in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or freeze it and store it for up to a month in your freezer!

By following these tips, you can create a hearty and delicious Brazilian black bean stew that’s perfect for any occasion.

FAQ

As we wrap up this recipe article, let me answer some common questions that may come up as you prepare to make this delicious Brazilian Black Bean Stew. These FAQs cover everything from ingredient substitutions to dietary restrictions, cooking times and storage methods. So, don’t miss out on these valuable tips!

What is Brazil’s national food dish a stew made of?

Feijoada, a beloved dish in Brazil, is considered by many to be the country’s comfort food. The dish derives its name from its primary ingredient, black beans (feijão), and is a hearty stew that typically includes various pork parts, including feet, ears, bacon, and smoked meats.

What is Brazil’s national dish?

Feijoada is a hearty stew that incorporates savory and salty meats like carne-seca and smoked pork spareribs, along with black beans. The more authentic versions of this dish also utilize less expensive cuts like pig’s ears, feet and tails, and beef tongue.

What is the main ingredient in feijoada?

When cooking feijoada, black beans and fresh pork or beef are the key components. Using a thick clay pot over low heat is the preferred method of preparation in Brazil.

What is feijoada Brazil?

Feijoada, a savory black bean stew, is a popular dish in Brazil and is known for its blend of various meats such as smoked pork, beef, and an assortment of sausages. It is often referred to as Brazil’s traditional meal and can be compared to a jambalaya.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Brazilian Black Bean Stew is a dish that you should definitely try if you’re looking for something hearty, flavorful and deliciously rustic. As the national dish of Brazil, it features black beans as its main ingredient, traditionally made with salted smoked meats, including pork and beef. With a thick, rich consistency and peppered with succulent chunks of bacon and sausage, it’s a dish that will satisfy your taste buds and make your stomach sing.

Whether you’re planning to serve it to family and friends on a special occasion or just want to indulge in a comforting meal after a long day at work, this Feijoada recipe is one you won’t want to pass up. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own substitutions or variations of ingredients to make it uniquely your own. Pair it with rice, garnish it with fresh parsley, hearty lamb chops, or enjoy it on its own – either way, it’s sure to impress.

So why not give it a try? Gather up the ingredients and put on some good music while you cook. Let the aroma permeate throughout the house and make note of how much fun cooking can be. Not only will you satisfy your hunger with this delicious Brazilian Black Bean Stew recipe, but you’ll also be treating yourself to one of Brazil’s most beloved dishes.

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