Feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean Stew)

My version of a traditional Brazilian dish that I 'tweaked' to reduce fat while keeping the rich flavors famous in Brazil....my Brazilian friends gave this version rave reviews! Additional meats, including sausage, may be added if desired. This is excellent served over brown rice.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 381 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• 2 bay leaves, crushed
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (Optional)
• 8 ounces diced ham
• ⅛ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 (12 ounce) package dry black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 ½ cups chopped onion, divided
• ½ pound thickly sliced bacon, diced
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 3/4 cup of chopped onion, green onions, and garlic; cook and stir until softened, about 4 minutes. Pour in the soaked beans and fill with enough water to cover beans by 3 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, or until tender.

Step 2

While beans are cooking, place ham hocks in smaller pot with 1/4 cup of the chopped onion. Cover with water and simmer, until meat pulls off of the bone easily, about 1 hour. Drain and add to the beans.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place ham, bacon, and remaining onion in a baking dish. Bake 15 minutes or until mixture is crispy.

Step 4

Drain the bacon and ham mixture, and add to the beans. Season with bay leaves, coriander, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered 30 minutes more. Stir in chopped cilantro and parsley just before serving.