Feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean Stew)

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried black beans
• 2 pounds smoked ham hocks
• 1 pound smoked pork shoulder
• 1 pound smoked sausage (chorizo or linguiça)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 3-4 hours

Difficulty Level:

• 2 out of 5 (moderately easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Rinse the black beans and sort through to remove any debris or stones.
2. In a large pot, combine the beans, ham hocks, pork shoulder, sausage, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, oregano, black pepper, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce and continue simmering for another 30-60 minutes, or until the stew has thickened.
4. Remove the ham hocks and pork shoulder and remove the meat from the bones. Shred the meat and return it to the stew.
5. Serve the feijoada hot with rice or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fat: 10 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Tender beans and meat
• Warm and comforting
• Perfect for a cold evening

User Comments:

• "This was the perfect dish for a rainy day. It was so warm and comforting." - Sarah B.
• "The flavors were incredible. I'll definitely be making this again." - John M.
• "I loved the combination of beans and meat. It was a hearty and satisfying meal." - Mary C.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have time to soak the beans overnight, you can quick-soak them by boiling them in water for 1-2 minutes. Then, drain and rinse the beans before using.
• You can adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
• Feijoada is a great dish to make ahead of time. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.