Brazilian Feijoada
Spring or Fall, I’m not sure which season is my favorite in New York City. All I know is that we left a chunk of our hearts there when we moved back to Idaho almost three years ago. We miss friends we love, the diverse ethnic neighborhoods, and gorgeous flowers blooming everywhere right now. I also miss Saturday nights and a neighborhood special, Brazilian Feijoada served over rice.
Brazilian Feijoada
5-star restaurants were near our row-house on Steinway and Ditmars. We frequented every kind of cafe, bistro, steakhouse, deli, etc. One of our favorite romantic spots, a Brazilian restaurant on 36th is Malagueta. On Saturday afternoons they serve Brazilian Feijoada with collard greens. It was so flavorful and was usually long-gone by early evening. We often enjoyed an early dinner when family and friends came for a visit. We shared Passion-Fruit Mousse and Coconut Flan for dessert.
Feijoada (pronounced “feshwada”), is the traditional dish of Brazil. Some dear friends who had lived in Brazil, introduced it to us. Everyone has a different favorite version; the exact ingredients are not as important as how you eat it. I like to save leftover pork, bacon, ham bones, beef, you name it, I freeze it. When I have enough to make Feijoada, I get out my favorite soup pot, and it’s time for a celebration with family and friends. It’s served with rice, collard greens, and oranges. Enjoy and celebrate the arrival of Spring showers, flowers and happiness.
Feijoada (Brazilian Meat and Bean Stew)
Traditional and hearty, Feijoada is delicious served over rice with greens and sliced oranges, especially on chilly nights.
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound black beans
- 1 pound pork shoulder
- 1 pound smoked sausage
- 1 pound beef jerky
- 3-4 strips smoked bacon
- 4 pork chops
- 2 small or 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- 2 large bay leaves
- Hot pepper sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the beans and soak them overnight.
- Next day, put them in a pot of new water and boil until they are tender; this will take at least an hour. As the beans are cooking, put pork shoulder, sausage, beef jerky, bacon, and pork chops in a pot of water and boil for 1½ hours.
- Cut the onions and garlic in small pieces and cook them in oil until they are a bit golden. Add them to the meat.
- Add the cooked beans to the meat, then add the bay leaves, hot pepper sauce, and salt and pepper. Cook for another hour until all the flavors are mixed together.
- Remove the bay leaves and separate the meat.
- Cut the meats in slices and put the beans on the middle of a platter with the meats around the sides.
This is best prepared while listening to Brazilian music and best shared with lots of love.
Bom apetite!
We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
This really sounds different, especially serving it with oranges! Bet it’s great:@)
yum! pinned 🙂
This is certainly “tamer” than that Friday the 13th Broken bones post I just read. I guess the hot sauce in this recipe kicks it up a notch, though.
I would never in a million years think you could use beef jerky in a dish. Seriously, I thought that stuff was for crossing the prairie in a covered wagon.
Renee that looks delish!!!
You always make food look so wonderful that I want to go cook immediately!!!
I must have missed a post because I am looking at your broken leg grandson! I’m so sorry.
I sorta laughed, because Nate’s little boy broke his leg the very same day!!!! Nate was out of town and I was working in the ER. He’s only 2 but it hasn’t slowed him down a bit!
It is wonderful that you were there.
Thanks! I’m glad your little grandson is still on the go. Ours was cast with a bit of a twist, lol, I don’t know how to explain it in medical terms. We are glad he can’t walk on his leg because we had nightmares of him flying over the ship’s wall. It was an answer to prayer…kind of. We didn’t wish a break on him, but we needed to slow him down a little. He’s been pushed around in a stroller and our friends have wondered if we have heard from them. Thankfully, no we have not, and they arrive home this afternoon!
I have a rough time trying recipes. I guess I have a non-trust issue with food. Stems from the stuff my parents fed me as a kid, I think. They were great parents, don’t get me wrong, but I do have issues with food. help me! hehehe ~ Renae (another Renee spelled slightly different)
What a fun post!! I love trying new dishes, this one looks delicious. Beautiful flowers!!!
Beautiful NYC! And, yummy looking Brazilian dish!
Oh wow, this makes my mouth do the happy dance! This looks so so good! Where we live, there is about 2 places to eat most of the time. As tourist season comes on, then everything opens but I still miss having a bunch of great places to choose from. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
What a fun, delicious looking recipe Renee! This would be wonderful for feeding a crowd – I am bookmarking it – I love ethnic recipes like this – thanks
How fantastic sounding! I love your blossoms too. Wish I were going to visit NYC during May – so lovely.
Lovely pictures and what a wonderful flower.
Hugs from Sweden
Elna
What a delicious reminder of the time you lived in NYC! The bean and meat stew sounds so flavorful. It must have been wonderful to have all of those great restaurants so close to where you lived!
This looks fabulous. I can only imagine the wonderful time you spent there. Joni
How fun to find this recipe here. Your version looks really good. I lived in Brazil for half of my growing up years, and this was one of my favorite foods!! 🙂
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Has it really been almost 3 years since you guys were here? It seems like just yesterday that you were here, come visit!