Brazilian vegetarian feijoada with jackfruit recipe
Traditionally, feijoada is a rich Brazilian stew made with black beans and pork. This tutorial introduces a vegetarian, eggless version using jackfruit as the main protein, preserving Brazil's cultural essence while accommodating vegetarian diets. Originating from Portuguese settlers, feijoada has evolved into a weekend family meal in Brazil, symbolizing togetherness. Let's embark on cooking this flavorful and adapted dish.
Gather the following ingredients
The ingredients needed are two cups of dried black beans (soaked), one large chopped onion, four minced garlic cloves, two bay leaves, one teaspoon of ground coriander, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, two cans of shredded young green jackfruit, three large diced tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, olive oil for sautéing, and cilantro for garnish.
Preparing the beans
Start by rinsing the soaked black beans under cold water. Transfer them to a large pot, adding water to cover by about two inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the beans are tender, which should take around an hour. Skim off any foam on the surface during cooking.
Cooking the jackfruit mixture
While your beans are simmering away, heat some olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; saute until they're soft and golden brown. Incorporate shredded jackfruit into the pan along with ground coriander and smoked paprika; cook for about five minutes or until it starts browning slightly. Add diced tomatoes lastly and cook until they soften up.
Combining ingredients
After the beans are cooked to be soft but not mushy, add the spiced jackfruit mixture to the pot along with bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully together. This step ensures a harmonious blend of all the ingredients.
Final touches & serving
After everything has cooked well, perform a final taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed before turning off the heat. Serve the hot Brazilian Vegetarian Feijoada garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs perfectly with rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce, offering a delightful blend of flavors for those seeking delicious vegetarian options without sacrificing tradition.
