Our guide on How To Make Homemade Portuguese Feijoada one of the most popular dishes in Portgal to try on your next trip.
Portuguese Feijoada is a hearty and comforting stew, traditionally made with beans and a variety of meats, often flavored with vegetables. It’s a dish meant for sharing and is commonly enjoyed during colder months.
Portuguese feijoada is a robust and satisfying dish, perfect for sharing at gatherings or family meals. It offers a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine and provides comforting warmth during cooler seasons.
Here’s how to prepare this delicious Portuguese stew, along with some useful tips and an estimation of its caloric content.
Read Here Best Traditional Portuguese Dishes and Best breakfast in Portugal
Read here Road trip to Algarve and all the things to know before visiting Portugal
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How to Make Homemade Portuguese Feijoada
Portuguese Feijoada Recipe Ingredients
1 pound (450 grams) red kidney beans, soaked overnight
1 pound (450 grams) mixed pork cuts (include pork belly, ears, and feet for authenticity)
1 chorizo sausage, sliced
1 morcela (blood sausage), sliced (optional)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 large potato, diced
1/2 cabbage, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil
Water, as needed
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
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Step By Step How to Make Portuguese Feijoada
Prepare the Beans
Drain the soaked beans. In a large pot, cover them with fresh water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until they are half-cooked, about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent. Add all the pork cuts and sausages to the pot. Cook until they start to brown.
Pour enough water to cover the meats, add the bay leaves and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meats are tender.
Combine Ingredients
Add the half-cooked beans to the pot with meats. Add more water if necessary to cover the ingredients. Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue to simmer the feijoada until the vegetables and beans are fully cooked, about 30 more minutes.
Final Touches
Adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or paprika as needed. Remove from heat and let the feijoada sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve
Ladle the feijoada into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, typically accompanied by white rice.
Tips To Make Portuguese Feijoada
Ensure the beans are soaked overnight to decrease cooking time and improve digestibility. Using a variety of meats enhances the depth of flavor. Traditional cuts include more offal, which adds authenticity.
Simmering the stew slowly and gently helps develop richer flavors and tenderizes the meats.
How Many Calories Have Portuguese Feijoada
Depending on the types and amounts of meat used, a serving of Portuguese feijoada can contain approximately 600-800 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.