How to cook Brazilian vegetarian feijoada: A step-by-step guide
Feijoada, traditionally a Brazilian stew of beans with beef or pork, has a rich history from colonial times and is considered Brazil's national dish. Our focus today is on a vegetarian and eggless version that maintains the essence of this beloved dish. By swapping meat for vegetables and spices, we offer a hearty and flavorful experience accessible to vegetarians. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, you need two cups of soaked black beans, one chopped large onion, two minced garlic cloves, two diced carrots, one diced red and green bell pepper each, three chopped tomatoes, a teaspoon of ground coriander and smoked paprika, half a teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), salt, six cups vegetable broth, and two tablespoons olive oil. Garnish with cilantro and orange slices.
Preparing the beans
Rinse the soaked black beans under cold water. In a large pot, combine the beans with six cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about an hour, or until the beans are tender but still hold their shape. This crucial step forms the base of your feijoada.
Sauteing vegetables
While the beans are simmering, heat olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan; saute until they are soft and golden brown. Then add diced carrots along with both red and green bell peppers; continue sauteing until all vegetables are tender but still crisp on the outside.
Combining ingredients
Once your vegetables are sauteed to perfection and the beans have softened, combine them in the larger pot with the beans. Then, add the chopped tomatoes, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you're using it. Season with salt according to taste. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Final touches
Let your feijoada simmer on low heat for 30 minutes after adding all ingredients. This step allows the flavors to blend into an aromatic stew. Serve it hot, garnished with cilantro and orange slices. These garnishes add color and enhance the flavor. Enjoy this meatless version of Brazil's traditional dish with friends or family for a cultural experience.
