Feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew)
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Feijoada is a rich and hearty Brazilian stew, widely considered the country's national dish, traditionally made with black beans simmered for hours with a variety of salted, smoked, and fresh pork and beef cuts. It's a one-pot meal that often includes ingredients like ribs, sausage, bacon, and sometimes dried meat, served alongside white rice, collard greens, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and orange slices.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Feijoada is a very high-protein and high-fat dish due to the generous use of various meats, while the black beans provide a substantial amount of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. A typical serving can range from 600 to over 1000 calories, depending on the specific cuts of meat used and portion size, and it's also a good source of iron and B vitamins.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, feijoada is the centerpiece of a traditional Saturday lunch in Brazil, often accompanied by live samba music and shared among large groups of friends and family. Nutritionally, the combination of black beans and rice creates a complete protein, and the orange slices served on the side are traditionally believed to aid digestion and help cut through the richness of the stew.