Portuguese Bean Stew (Feijao A Portuguesa) 🍲
Description: This wonderfully spicy Portuguese Bean Stew recipe is a cherished gem from the culinary repertoire of David Leite, renowned for his expertise in Portuguese cuisine. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this stew boasts layers of flavor, combining the richness of beans, the smokiness of bacon, and the robustness of chorizo sausage, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Note that the beans require overnight soaking for optimal texture and taste.
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Stew
- Keywords: One Dish Meal, Pork, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Portuguese, European, Potluck, Spicy, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 985.4
- Fat Content: 64.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 22.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 118mg
- Sodium Content: 1798.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 57g
- Fiber Content: 20.6g
- Sugar Content: 7.6g
- Protein Content: 45.6g
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried navy beans | 1 cup |
| Great northern beans | 1 cup |
| Bacon | 1 strip |
| Onion | 1 large, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Water | 4-5 cups |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Chorizo sausage | 1 link, sliced |
| Dried red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Soak Beans: Begin by soaking the dried navy beans and great northern beans in cold water, ensuring they are submerged by at least 2 inches. Allow them to soak for 8 hours or overnight for optimal results.
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Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until it becomes crisp and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pot, discarding the excess.
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Sauté Onion: Into the same pot with the reserved bacon drippings, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and caramelized, which should take approximately 7-9 minutes.
-
Add Garlic: Once the onion is golden brown, add the minced garlic to the pot. Continue cooking and stirring until the garlic becomes aromatic and golden, infusing its flavor into the onion mixture.
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Prepare Beans: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the onion and garlic mixture. Also, add the sliced chorizo sausage, tomato paste, dried red pepper flakes, and paprika.
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Simmer: Pour in 4-5 cups of water, enough to cover all the ingredients in the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, stirring occasionally. Allow the stew to simmer until the beans are tender, which typically takes about 1 1/2 hours.
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Final Touch: Once the beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, crumble the cooked bacon into the stew. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the piping hot Portuguese Bean Stew into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. This hearty and satisfying stew is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to casual gatherings with friends. Enjoy the robust flavors and comforting warmth of this traditional Portuguese dish!
By following these simple steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering Portuguese Bean Stew that’s sure to impress your family and friends alike. Soak up the rich flavors and hearty goodness of this beloved recipe from David Leite, and savor every spoonful of this culinary masterpiece. Bon appétit! 🇵🇹
