Feijoada - A Slow Cooked Pork & Black Bean Stew

Feijoada - Brazilian Black Bean & Pork Stew Recipe | Culinary Travels

This is a sponsored post, in collaboration with Tropilex.

Feijoada (pronounced ~fey-zhoo-ah-dah) is Brazil’s beloved national dish. Its name comes from “Feijão,” Portuguese for beans, the heart of this rich, slow-cooked stew. Traditionally, Feijoada combines black beans with a variety of salted and smoked pork cuts—from pork belly and chorizo to more economical cuts that give the dish its deep, hearty flavour—making it a flavour-packed, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on indulgence. More than just a dish, Feijoada is a symbol of Brazilian culture, blending history, warmth, and communal tradition in every comforting spoonful. Perfect for feeding a crowd, enjoying as leftovers, or making ahead, it’s a stew that celebrates both taste and thrift. For those seeking an extra authentic touch, traditional recipes sometimes include gelatinous cuts like trotters, which are entirely optional and can be omitted without losing the signature richness.

History of Feijoada

Popular legend claims that Feijoada originated with slaves on sugar cane plantations during Brazil's colonial period, who supposedly cooked the leftover scraps of meat from their masters—pigs' ears, feet, and tails—together with black beans. While this makes a compelling story, historians argue that the dish has deeper Portuguese roots. European colonists highly valued many of these meat cuts, and Feijoada bears closer resemblance to Portuguese pork-and-bean stews like cozido than to African or indigenous bean dishes.

Whether created by slaves or adapted from Portuguese recipes, Feijoada evolved into a national symbol of Brazil, representing a fusion of cultures, resourcefulness, and communal eating.

Taste of Feijoada

Feijoada is rich, smoky, and comforting, served traditionally with rice, sautéed collard greens or kale, orange slices, and a sprinkling of toasted cassava flour (farofa). In Brazil, Saturday is considered the official day of Feijoada, turning the meal into a social event shared with family and friends. It’s a dish that embodies warmth, love, and a slow, patient cooking process.

Pair your Feijoada with a classic caipirinha or a chilled beer for the full Brazilian experience. Its bold, layered flavours are perfectly balanced by the freshness of orange slices and the subtle bitterness of sautéed greens.

Variations

Feijoada can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can:
- Make a lighter version using only lean cuts of pork and omitting the trotter.
- Swap some of the pork with smoked turkey or chicken for a different twist.
- Make a vegetarian Feijoada with mushrooms, smoked tofu, or seitan, keeping the rich flavours from paprika, garlic, and slow-simmered black beans.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Feijoada is ideal for cooking ahead. It tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions in meal-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water to maintain the perfect consistency.

Travel to Brazil

Eating Feijoada instantly transports you to Brazil’s vibrant culture. Imagine the year-round tropical climate, golden sandy beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, and swaying palm trees where you can relax in a hammock. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, a good book, or simply enjoy the laid-back rhythm of life under the sun.

Brazil is also rich in wildlife, bustling cities, and cultural landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Whether you’re a foodie, adventurer, or beach lover, Feijoada embodies the warmth, colour, and diversity of this incredible country.

Feijoada Recipe

This recipe includes a pigs’ trotter to give the stew a gelatinous, rich consistency, but it is optional.

Feijoada

Prep: 1 hour | Cook: 3 hours | Servings: 8

Feijoada is a slow-cooked, flavour-packed stew perfect for a weekend feast. Make ahead for richer flavours and serve with rice, greens, and farofa.

Ingredients:
500g vegetable stock
200g dried black beans
5 garlic cloves, whole
1 red chilli
200g pork belly
200g chorizo
200g pork shoulder
200g smoked bacon lardons
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 pigs trotter, split (optional)
3 onions, chopped finely
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp red wine vinegar

Instructions:
Soak the beans overnight in cold water.
On the day of cooking, place beans, whole garlic, and chilli in a pan with soaking water. Bring to boil, then simmer 1 hour.
Cut pork shoulder, belly, bacon, and chorizo into 2-3cm chunks.
Heat oil in a large pan and brown pork pieces, chorizo, bacon, and trotter in batches. Set aside.
Fry onions, crushed garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika for 10 minutes until golden.
Return pork and trotter (optional) to pan. Add stock and vinegar, cover and simmer 1 hour.
Add remaining meat and cooked beans, simmer 2 more hours until pork is tender.
Serve with wilted greens, rice, farofa, and orange slices.

Variations & Tips:
Swap meats according to preference—omit offal or trotter if desired.
Make ahead: Feijoada tastes even better the next day. Store in fridge up to 3 days.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
For vegetarian option, replace meats with smoked tofu or tempeh and extra mushrooms.

Garden Inspiration: A Touch of the Tropics at Home

Bring a little slice of Brazil into your own back garden. Think lush greenery, bold bursts of colour, and a cosy hammock swaying in the sunshine — perfect for those long afternoons that echo the relaxed rhythm of Rio. Tropilex have a large range of hammocks with stands and hanging chairs to suit almost any budget - handwoven in Colombia and India, they add both comfort and authenticity, helping you recreate those tropical holiday vibes without leaving home.

But creating a little backyard paradise goes beyond just the hammock. Layer in oversized cushions and throws for lazy afternoon lounging, string up festoon or fairy lights for evening ambience, and tuck potted palms or leafy greenery around for a touch of tropical flair. A side table with space for a chilled drink or your current read makes the set-up even more inviting. Whether you’re dreaming of a breezy holiday vibe, a cosy reading nook, or a spot to gather with friends, a few thoughtful touches can transform your garden into a personal retreat you’ll love spending time in.

Plus Tropilex has some fabulous accessories, like comfy cushions and accessory holders to keep your book and phone safe and within reach at all times.

Tropilex is passionate about fair trade, workers rights and environmental issues. They are a member of 1% For The Planet, Tropilex donates a minimum 1% of annual sales to support environmental non-profit organisations who help address environmental and sustainability concerns. It’s true, relaxing in a hammock means getting a mini-holiday for free!

📌 Pin this Feijoada recipe for later and impress your friends with Brazilian flavours!