Feijoada (fay-zwah-da) is one of those dishes which my Brazilian friends assured me that every grandmother has her own recipe. It’s enjoyed throughout the vast country, making it arguably Brazil’s national fare. Adding any bit of pork you can get your hands on and using whichever beans you like, you can easily make this spiced savoury stew your own. Mine uses two different kinds of beans, and cuts of pork that are readily available in Vancouver. Serve with rice, sautéed greens and orange slices. To go completely traditional, make some farofa to go with it. The toasted manioc flour is a staple accompaniment on any Brazilian dinner table.

Ingredients (serves 6)

This traditional Brazilian dish is a family staple.

• 1 cup black beans

• 1 cup pinto beans

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 onion

• 200 g bacon

• 1 kg pork shoulder (bone in if you can get it)

• 200g raw chorizo or other spicy sausage

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)

• salt, pepper

Method

1. Soak the beans overnight and drain before use.

2. Cut the bacon into strips and the pork shoulder into 5 cm cubes. Leave the bone in, it will flavour the stew nicely. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.

3. In a large heavy bottomed pot, render the bacon on medium heat. The bits catching on the bottom of the pan will give the stew more flavour. Just make sure they don’t burn.

4. Take the bacon out of the pan and turn up the heat to high. Quickly sear the pieces of pork shoulder in the bacon fat and reserve them with the bacon.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the onion and garlic to sweat. Remove the casing from the chorizo and crumble into the pot.

6. When the onion turns translucent (about 5 minutes), add the bay leaves and the chilli flakes (if using), the meats, and the beans. Add water to cover.

7. Simmer on low with the lid on for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally. Add more water if necessary. Stirring will break some of the beans and their starches will thicken the stew nicely.

8. Check if the pork falls apart easily and the beans are cooked. Season to taste before serving.