Portuguese Feijoada
If you've got dried black beans, smoked pork sausage, sliced and pork shoulder, cubed, you're most of the way to this pork: about 70 minutes of cooking across 7 steps. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 7 steps.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and pan. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (7)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: none of the major allergens we track from the ingredients listed.
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page β how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Soak the black beans in plenty of cold water overnight, then drain and rinse them well.
- Place the beans in a large pot with the bay leaves, cover generously with fresh water, bring to a boil, then simmer partly covered for about 1 hour until just tender.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and brown the pork shoulder, sausage and bacon in batches until well coloured, then set aside.
- In the same pan, soften the onions over medium heat for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and tomato and cook for a further 3 minutes until pulpy.
- Stir the browned meats and the onion mixture into the pot of beans, add the carrots, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer everything together gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring now and then and adding a little hot water if it becomes too thick, until the pork is fork-tender and the broth is rich.
- Remove the bay leaves, stir through the chopped parsley, taste and adjust the seasoning, and serve hot with steamed rice.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet Β· Pan Β· Large pot Β· Saucepan Β· Steamer
Tips & common questions
How long does Portuguese Feijoada take to make?
About 70 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 7 steps and 12 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Adapted recipe β rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Portuguese Feijoada is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Feijoada 01.jpg by Unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure β how we source recipes.