Vegan Brazilian Black Bean Stew is my version of this traditional dish that is served throughout Brazil. It has now become a family favorite that is so quick and easy to prepare!
I always prepared my beans with a Caribbean twist by adding coconut milk, spring onions, thyme and allspice to it until a Brazilian friend came to my home for a visit about 14 years ago and prepared her version and I was sold.
She added an entire bulb of garlic, bell pepper, onion to the beans and cooked then until they were tender. She then seasoned the beans with aromatic cumin and oregano.
My friend didn’t measure her ingredients while we talked and enjoyed each others company. I was so curious to see how the beans would turn out. I was so impressed with the results, that I have been making variations of it since then. The beans were so creamy and delicious ♥
The traditional Brazilian black bean stew (Feijoada), is normally made with black beans and various salted pork and beef products. It is traditionally served with farofa, which is a toasted yucca meal.
This stew traditionally takes anywhere from 2-3 hours to cook, but the vegan version takes less than half the time. So if you are wanting to save time and still get the benefits of a rich protein dish, then my Vegan Brazilian Black Bean Stew is your answer.
Black beans are a great source of protein, calcium, folate, and fiber. We are always concerned as vegans if we are eating enough protein.Yet, I have never met anyone here in the USA who is protein deficient, have you?
Here is a list of some of the other benefits:
- The calcium in black beans is beneficial in building and strengthening our bones.
- Folate is beneficial for cell growth and tissue growth.
- Fiber, as we know is beneficial for a healthy digestive system, controlling blood sugar and improving heart health.
For more detailed benefits, check out this article in Organic Facts.
Vegan Brazilian Black Bean Stew is delicious when served with my Easy Oven Baked Sweet Plantain, African Braised Kale and my Cilantro Lime Rice recipe for a real exotic taste and experience.
Ingredients
For: 8 servings
- 1 pound dried black beans, or 4-14 ounce cans, drained
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 10 cloves garlic
- 1 cup bell pepper, (red or green, I used red)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups vegetable broth, or water (optional)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- If you are using dried beans, sort beans to remove debris. Rinse beans and soak overnight in cold water at least 3 inches above. If using canned beans go to number 4 of recipe instructions.
- The following day, drain and rinse beans. Place beans in a large pot with cold water.
- Bring to boil on medium-high, cover and reduce heat to simmer until beans are tender, about one hour. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pot on medium heat, add onion and saute until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, bell pepper, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. and cook for another minute.
- Stir in beans (along with remaining liquid if using cooked beans). If using canned beans add water or vegetable broth
- Bring to boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally for flavors to blend. Using the back of a ladle mash some of the beans to help to make a creamy thick sauce. Add extra liquid if needed.
- Stir in cilantro, cayenne pepper and salt to season.
Recipe notes
- Leftover bean stew freezes for up to 3 months.
Sakina
How much salt should you put?
Michelle Blackwood
Add salt to your taste Sakina
Kez
I love the sound of this and keen to make it this week. Can you tell me how u did the bananas?
Michelle Blackwood
Awesome Kez, please enjoy. That is actually ripe plantains a cousin of banana. I basically oven baked them. Peel and slice plantains to about 1/4 inch thick. Place on greased baking tray in a single layer. Brush with oil and baked in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, turning halfway1
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
I love black beans and this recipe sounds awesome :)
Michelle Blackwood
Thank you Stephanie, me too!
Cait Hatstand
That looks delicious. Will try it for sure. Are black beans the same as aduki beans? I cook something similar with aduki beans and sweet potato, but I use peanut butter to thicken the sauce. Also, have you served it with fried plantain?
Michelle Blackwood
Thank you Cait, please enjoy! Black beans aren’t the same as adzuki beans. Adzuki beans are reddish brown and they are delicious as well. They have their own distinct taste. Growing up in Jamaica we called them, ‘cow peas’.
Alema
I like the look and sound of it. Might give it a try. Especially as the colder months are on the way. Not a vegan though so what is the non vegan version?
Michelle Blackwood
Thank you Alema, I hope you get to try it! There should be tons of recipe online!
sRobles
Usually, I am not a fan of black beans but this feijoada recipe makes me want just a small taste.
Michelle Blackwood
Hope you get to try it!