Satisfy Your Cravings with This Mouth-Watering Feijoada Dish
Welcome to the ultimate Brazilian Feijoada recipe article! If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal packed with flavor and nutrition, then you’re in for a treat. Feijoada is a classic Brazilian stew that’s considered the country’s national dish. It’s traditionally made with black beans, pork meat, and a variety of spices and herbs.
But today we’re bringing you a vegetarian and vegan version of this culinary medicine delight that will blow your mind. This inspired vegetarian Feijoada recipe combines hearty black beans with plenty of vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a satisfying and flavorful stew that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
This vegan Feijoada recipe is much healthier than its classic counterpart while keeping all the flavors intact. So whether you’re already a fan of Brazilian cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, you don’t want to miss this delicious dish.
In this article, I’ll guide you through how to make this hearty Brazilian-inspired vegetarian Feijoada stew step-by-step, provide substitutions and variations options, highlight tips for perfect results and answer your most frequently asked questions. Get ready to explore one of Brazil’s most iconic dishes with a plant-based twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a hearty and comforting vegan recipe with bold flavors? Look no further than this vegetarian feijoada! This Brazilian inspired dish is a plant-based twist on the classic Brazilan black bean stew, and is sure to satisfy any comfort food craving.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. It can be customized to your liking with various substitutions and variations such as adding tofu or roasted vegetables. Additionally, it can be served in various ways; alone or alongside cooked rice.
What sets this dish apart is its unique blend of spices and seasonings like dried thyme leaves, dried parsley, diced tomatoes, garlic cloves, and chipotle pepper. The combination of these ingredients create an aroma that will have your taste buds tingling.
Moreover, the sweet potatoes and tri-colored bell peppers give an extra burst of flavor and texture to this vegan feijoada brazilian. Not only is it packed with nutritious ingredients, but the black beans provide a hearty source of protein as well.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner trying to dabble in culinary medicine, this vegetarian feijoada recipe will not disappoint. In no time you will have prepared a comforting meal that will envelop you with warmth and flavor. Give it a try and invite others to enjoy this tasty vegan version of a Brazilian classic.
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with the ingredients for this Brazilian-inspired vegetarian feijoada. You will need:
For the black beans stew:
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1 lb dry black beans
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2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
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1 large yellow onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 bay leaves
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1 tbsp dried thyme leaves
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2 tsp dried parsley
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Salt to taste
For the vegan feijoada:
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2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 yellow onion, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 chipotle pepper (in adobo sauce), minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt to taste
Optional toppings:
- Cooked rice
Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, let’s jump into making this vegetarian feijoada recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to actually make the vegetarian feijoada!
Step 1: Soak the Black Beans
Start by soaking dry black beans in plenty of water overnight. It’s important to soak them for at least 6 hours before cooking, as it helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
In a large pot or a slow cooker, cook the soaked and rinsed black beans and bay leaves with 8 cups of water. Add some salt to taste.
If you’re using a pot on a stove bring it to boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the beans are tender but not falling apart, between 2 to 4 hours. Some recipes suggest checking for tenderness after an hour of cooking.
If you’re using a slow cooker on low heat setting, it could take anywhere from 6-8 hours for the beans to become tender.
Step 3: Prepare The Vegetables
Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables by dicing one large yellow onion, mincing garlic cloves, chopping red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil (canola or olive) over medium-high heat then add chopped onion and minced garlic stirring frequently until onion is softened for about 5 minutes. Then lower the heat to medium, and add chopped red & green bell peppers, sweet potatoes chunks along with some diced tomatoes & chipotle pepper.
Cook everything together for another 10 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened then add it all into your pot with cooked black beans.
Step 5: Let it Simmer
Add some dried herbs like thyme leaves, dried parsley, and more salt if needed then let everything simmer together for another hour so that all flavors can meld together well.
Step 6: Serve Hot
When hot and cooked through thoroughly this stew should be spooned over your choice of cooked rice or eaten alongside tofu steaks or smoked tofu cutlets (Jamie Oliver has a great recipe for smoked tofu stew). Finally, garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro sprigs if desired!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life and this vegetarian feijoada recipe can be easily customized to suit your tastes or meet any dietary requirements. Here are some substitution ideas and variations that will elevate the flavors and nutritional value of your dish.
– Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, simply omit the smoked tofu or replace it with a plant-based protein source like tempeh, seitan, or vegan chicken strips.
– Slow Cooker: Want to save time and effort? Cook the black beans stew in a slow cooker. Soak the black beans overnight for better results. Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, and forget about it until dinner.
– Roasted Vegetables: Instead of serving the dish with white rice, try a side of roasted vegetables. Cut sweet potatoes and other vegetables into bite-sized pieces, drizzle them with olive oil and spices of your choice (e.g., dried parsley, garlic powder), and roast for around 25-30 minutes until crispy and delicious.
– Use Different Types of Beans: This dish traditionally uses Brazilian black beans, but you can use other types of beans too. Kidney beans, pinto beans, and navy beans all work well in this recipe. You could even mix and match different types for added variety.
– Spicier Flavors: If you like a little heat in your food, add more chipotle pepper or another type of hot pepper to the stew. You could also serve it with a hot sauce or salsa on the side.
– Serve with Tofu: Crumbled tofu adds protein and texture to the dish. Jamie Oliver recommends using smoked tofu because it adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the smoky paprika and garlic in this recipe.
Remember, recipes are not set in stone – feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find out what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegetarian feijoada is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This dish pairs well with cooked rice, which is a traditional side dish in Brazilian culture. The tender beans stew is rich in flavor and textures, making it a filling and satisfying meal on its own.
For a complete plant-based meal, you can also serve roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, alongside the feijoada. The sweetness of the potatoes will complement the smoky chipotle pepper used in the stew.
To add some freshness and crunch to your plate, consider slicing up some fresh vegetables like green bell peppers or tomatoes as a garnish. A sprinkle of dried parsley or thyme leaves on top will also add an extra layer of aroma to your dish.
If you’re looking for a protein boost, you can pair this vegetarian feijoada with some deliciously marinated tofu or smoked tofu. You could also pair this with brazilian roasted vegetables for an even more fulfilling meal.
The beauty of this dish is that it’s versatile and customizable to your liking. Experiment with different sides or garnishes to elevate your plate and make it into a complete feast.
Overall, this hearty vegetarian feijoada dish is perfect for a cozy night in or to share with friends and family at your next gathering. Pair it with your favorite samba music and you’ll feel like you’re in Brazil in no time!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
To make the most of your Brazilian Feijoada, it’s important to know how to store and reheat it properly. This dish can definitely be made in advance, so you can prepare it when you have the extra time and then enjoy it later when you need a quick and easy meal.
When storing your Feijoada, allow it to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Place it in an airtight container and be sure to label it with the date that it was made. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your Feijoada can last up to 3-4 days. If you plan on keeping it for longer than that, it can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
When reheating your Feijoada, there are a few options that you can choose from. You can either reheat it slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through, or you can use a microwave-safe dish and reheat in the microwave.
If you do choose to use a microwave, be sure to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent the Feijoada from drying out. Reheat in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.
It’s important not to overheat the feijoada as this will result in a dry and unappetizing dish. Just keep an eye on it while reheating and remove from heat once hot enough.
Finally, if you want to take this delicious vegetarian feast on-the-go with you, consider dividing the pre-made feijoada into portions suitable for meal prep containers that can be taken to work, school or other outings throughout the week. The smoky flavours will only continue to intensify each day as they marinate together in each container throughout the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a vegan chef, I always try to find ways to take my plant-based dishes to the next level. Here are some tips that will make your Vegetarian Brazilian Feijoada extraordinary:
1. Properly soak and cook the black beans
The key to properly cooked black beans is soaking them overnight. This is important because it shortens the cooking time and helps break down the complex sugars in the beans making them easier to digest. When it comes to cooking, simmer the beans slowly and gently until they are tender but not mushy.
2. Use smoked tofu
To infuse that smoky flavor into your vegetarian feijoada, use smoked tofu instead of traditional meats. This will add umami flavor and depth to your dish.
3. Roast the vegetables for added flavor
Roasting red bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and portobello mushrooms brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors. This adds a unique and delicious layer of complexity to your dish.
4. Use homemade vegetable broth
Using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought helps you control the ingredients, salt content, and overall taste of your dish.
5. Serve with toppings
To add a bit of crunch and zing, serve your vegetarian feijoada with toppings like cooked rice, dried parsley or cilantro, and sliced chipotle peppers.
Following these tips will take your Vegetarian Brazilian Feijoada from ordinary to extraordinary. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
As the Vegan Chef’s articulate assistant, I would like to take the opportunity to address some frequently asked questions about this Vegetarian Feijoada Recipe. I understand that when it comes to trying out a new recipe, there could be concerns or doubts lurking in your mind. But fret not! In this section, I’ll answer some of the most common queries that are likely to pop up while preparing this dish. So without any further ado, let’s dive right in!
What is the difference between Portuguese and Brazilian feijoada?
In Portugal, the term ‘feijão’ refers to beans and they prefer to use the cream-colored feijão-fradinho or black-eyed beans. However, in Brazil, black beans are the preferred choice.
How healthy is feijoada?
Feijoada is a popular stew in Brazil made with nutritious ingredients such as beans, kale, and cassava. Although traditionally a meat dish, it can also be made vegetarian. Some households enjoy it as a daily meal.
Why is feijoada served with oranges?
Feijoada in some regions of Brazil is a dish that consists of beans and meat without any added vegetables. The meal is typically accompanied by white rice, crispy bits of fried bacon mixed with shredded kale, pork crackling, and orange slices that are said to help the digestion of the hearty feast.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegetarian Brazilian Feijoada recipe is truly a plant-based comfort food that is not only delicious but also has numerous health benefits. This culinary medicine recipe can help improve your digestive health with the beans and sweet potatoes, while providing essential vitamins and minerals from the bell peppers and tomatoes. The smoky chipotle pepper and dried thyme lend a depth of flavor that make this feijoada stew irresistible.
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this vegan feijoada Brazilian-style is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make substitutions and variations based on your personal tastes or favorite ingredients. Additionally, it can be served with cooked rice or other sides for a complete meal.
I highly recommend trying out this classic Brazilian dish in its vegetarian and vegan form. Not only will it give you a taste of another culture’s cuisine, but it may become a new favorite in your own kitchen. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds and body will thank you.
Brazilian Feijoada (Vegetarian) Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 cups dried black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium red bell peppers or 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
- 1 large tomatoes, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 canned chipotle pepper, chopped
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (or butternut squash or white potato)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves (or fresh)
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, place the beans in plenty of water and cook for about 1 hour, over medium heat, until tender.
- Drain and reserve 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
- In a large saucepan, heat the oil.
- Add the onion, bell peppers, tomato, garlic, and chipotle peppers and saute for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add the beans, cooking liquid, sweet potatoes, and thyme and cook for 25 to 30 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the parsley and salt and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more.
- Spoon the rice into bowls and ladle the feijoada over the top.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.