Feijoada
A hearty, smoky, and deeply flavorful vegan take on Brazil's national dish. This rich black bean stew features plant-based sausage and smoked tofu, slow-simmered with aromatics for an authentic and comforting meal.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 105 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prep Beans: Rinse the dried black beans, place them in a large bowl, and cover with at least 4 inches of water. Let them soak overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours. Drain and rinse well before cooking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown Vegan Meats (10 mins): Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced vegan sausage and cubed smoked tofu. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate, leaving the oil in the pot.
- 3
Sauté Aromatics (10 mins): Reduce heat to medium
- a.Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast Spices (1 min): Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Simmer the Feijoada (90 mins): Return the browned sausage and tofu to the pot
- a.Add the soaked and drained black beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, tamari, liquid smoke, and the thick orange slice. Stir to combine. Increase the heat to bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 90 minutes, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Thicken (15 mins): Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Once the beans are fully cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves and the orange slice. For a thicker consistency, mash about a cup of beans against the side of the pot with a spoon and stir well.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Season and Serve: Taste the feijoada and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with traditional sides like rice, farofa, and sautéed collard greens.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smokiest flavor, use a high-quality smoked tofu and a smoky vegan sausage. The liquid smoke is essential for mimicking the traditional flavor.
- 2Don't skip the orange slice! It's a traditional Brazilian technique that adds a subtle brightness and helps cut through the richness of the stew.
- 3This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. It's perfect for meal prepping.
- 4If you're short on time, you can use 3 cans (15 oz each) of black beans, rinsed and drained. Reduce the broth to 2.5 cups and the simmer time to 30-40 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Greens
Stir in a large handful of chopped collard greens or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
Different ProteinsDifferent Proteins
Feel free to use other plant-based meats like seitan, tempeh, or a mix of different vegan sausages.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for some heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant-Based Protein
With black beans, tofu, and vegan sausage, this dish provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Black beans are a fiber powerhouse, promoting healthy digestion, aiding in blood sugar regulation, and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Antioxidants
The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices like paprika provides a variety of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the specific brands of vegan sausage and tofu used.