Goan Feijoada
A rich, hearty stew from Goa, blending Portuguese and Indian flavors. Tender salted pork, spicy Goan sausages, and creamy red kidney beans are simmered in a tangy coconut-tamarind gravy. A perfect comfort food meal served with rice or pao.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 65 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation of Beans and Pork
- b.Rinse the dried kidney beans thoroughly. Soak them in ample water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- c.If using salted pork, soak it in a bowl of warm water for 30-60 minutes to draw out excess salt. Drain the water, rinse the pork, and pat it dry.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Pressure Cook Beans and Pork
- b.Drain the soaked kidney beans. In a pressure cooker, combine the beans, pork cubes, and turmeric powder.
- c.Add 960 ml (4 cups) of fresh water. Secure the lid and cook on medium-high heat.
- d.Cook for 5-6 whistles on a stovetop pressure cooker, or for 25 minutes on high pressure in an Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Masala Base
- b.While the beans and pork are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- e.Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes, until they break down and become mushy.
- f.Add the red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are aromatic and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook Sausages and Combine
- b.Remove the casings from the Goan sausages and crumble the meat directly into the pot with the masala.
- c.Cook the sausage meat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and has rendered its fat.
- d.Carefully pour the cooked pork, beans, and all their cooking liquid from the pressure cooker into the pot.
- e.Add the tamarind paste and mix everything together gently. Bring the stew to a simmer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the feijoada simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- c.Uncover and stir in the thick coconut milk and garam masala. Let it heat through gently for 2-3 minutes. Do not allow it to come to a rolling boil to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.
- d.Taste the stew and add salt as needed. Be cautious, as the salted pork and sausages are already salty.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve the Goan Feijoada hot with steamed rice or traditional Goan pao (bread) to soak up the delicious gravy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use Goan choris (sausages), which are spicy, tangy, and slightly smoky.
- 2This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen and meld together.
- 3If you can't find salted pork, you can use fresh pork belly or shoulder. In this case, you will need to add more salt to the dish.
- 4To thicken the gravy further, you can gently mash a few of the cooked kidney beans against the side of the pot before the final simmer.
- 5Always add coconut milk at the end on low heat. Boiling it can cause it to split or curdle, changing the texture of the gravy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and sausages. Use a combination of black-eyed peas, potatoes, and hearty mushrooms. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the choris.
With BeefWith Beef
Substitute the pork with beef stew meat. You may need to increase the pressure cooking time to ensure the beef becomes tender.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of red chili powder and add a few dried red chilies along with the onions for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of pork, sausages, and kidney beans provides a high amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining energy levels.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Kidney beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness and satiety.
Provides Essential Minerals
This dish is a good source of iron from the red meat and beans, which is vital for preventing anemia, and potassium from tomatoes and coconut milk, important for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
Frequently asked questions
Goan Feijoada is a hearty stew that reflects the Portuguese influence on Goan cuisine. It's a local adaptation of the famous Portuguese 'Feijoada', traditionally made with salted pork, spicy Goan sausages (choris), and red kidney beans in a tangy and lightly spiced coconut gravy.