Feijoada

I think one of the best things to cook for a group of people coming and going is soup. It can stay on the stove, people can grab a bowl when they get a chance and everyone's fed. Not to mention, soup is generally pretty easy to make. The problem is though... soup gets boring. You can only eat chicken noodle or tomato soup so many times.

So I like to try new soup recipes. I came across this one for feijoada, which is apparently the national food of Brazil. I got my inspiration from this recipe. The author states that her recipe isn't that authentic, and since mine is altered from hers a bit, I guess mine is really not very traditional at all.


 -olive oil
-1 small red onion, chopped
-1 tbsp minced garlic
-10 sausages
-2 handfuls of baby carrots
-1 tsp balsamic vinegar
-1/2 tsp cumin
-1/4 tsp thyme
-2 pinches of salt
-1 tin of tomato puree
-1 1/2 cups of red wine
-1/2 cup water
-1 can of red kidney beans (16oz)
-1 can canellini beans (16oz)


In a large pot, start with a healthy drizzle of olive oil. Heat and saute garlic and onions for several minutes. The garlic should be fragrant and the onion translucent. Add the balsamic vinegar. Meanwhile, slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces. Add sausage and carrots to the pot, allow the sausages to begin to cook over medium-low heat. Season with the thyme, cumin and salt.

While the first ingredients are heating up a little bit, mix together tomato puree, the wine and water. Once blended, pour into the pot. Adjust heat to a light simmer, cover and allow to cook for 30-40 minutes.

After that time, add the beans to the mix. Stir in gently so the beans don't get mashed up. Let cook at least 15 more minutes. It can cook on low for as long as you want, which will let the flavor meld more and more.


Fair warning, the wine flavor is strong. I'm sure the alcohol is cooked off, as I don't seem to be stumbling about, but you can definitely taste the wine. I think next time I would use some spicier sausages too for some extra flavor.

I loved this recipe and all the boys did too. You know soup is good when all my boys eat it.