How to Make the Traditional Brazilian Peasant Dish - Feijoada

With the popularity of Brazil's national drink, the Caipirinha, can the national food of Feijoada (pronounced fey-djwa'-da) be far behind? This "how to" will give you a quick and easy way to make Brazil's favorite dish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 6 pieces of chopped bacon
• 1 lb. kielbasa, sliced into 1 inch pieces
• 6 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup chopped onion
• Two 26 oz. cans of black beans
• One can of black bean soup
• 1 bay leaf
• 15 1/2 ounce can of chopped tomato
• 3-4 oranges sliced
• 1 bunch of collard greens
• White rice

1. Kielbasa Prepare the meats
   In a large saucepan over medium heat, fry bacon til crisp. Remove to paper towel and drain. Add kielbasa and sautee til brown.
2. Chopped garlic Add garlic and onions
   Sautee for 2 minutes til onion becomes transparent.
3. Black beans The magic beans
   Add beans (do not drain), bean soup and half cup of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low. Add bay leaf and chopped tomatoes and simmer uncovered 20 minutes.
4. Rice Special Brazilian rice
   Boil 1 1/2 cups of water for each cup of rice you plan to make. Add 1 teaspoon salt and one half finely chopped onion to water. When water boils, add rice. Return to rolling boil for 1 minute. Lower heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Gently fluff with a fork being careful not to dig up any crusty rice from the bottom. Cover and continue to cook for 5 more minutes then turn off heat.
5. Collards Prepare collards
   Rinse leaves and remove thick stem. Stack leaves together and roll them into a big fat cigar. Slice crosswise into thin strips. Steam over boiling water til tender and dark green.
6. Feijoada completa Serve
   Spoon Feijoada out over hot rice. Garnish with orange slices, collard green and chopped parsley. Goes nicely with small buttered rolls, hot sauce and cold beer.

Tips & Warnings

• Take Bean-o in case of gas