📖 Instructions

1. First things first, my friend! Rinse 1 pound of black beans thoroughly under cold water, then soak them in about 8 cups of water for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
2. Once the beans are soaked, drain them and place them in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add about 12 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. You want to maintain a gentle simmer; you don't want them exploding all over your kitchen!
3. While the beans are simmering, let's tackle the meats. Dice 1 pound of smoked sausage, 1 pound of pork shoulder, and 1/2 pound of bacon. Now, my tip here is to use good quality sausage; it makes all the difference in the world. Trust me on this.
4. In a separate large skillet, brown the sausage, pork, and bacon over medium heat. This process adds loads of flavor! Once browned, set the meat aside.
5. Now add 1 large onion (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot with the simmering beans. Stir gently and simmer for another 15 minutes.
6. Add the browned meats to the bean mixture. Stir everything together, gently. Ok, this is the part where you want to smell all the glorious aromas filling your kitchen. Take a deep breath and really enjoy this moment—it's worth it.
7. Now, for some serious flavor boosting. Add 1 cup of chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1/2 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed is the best!), 1/4 cup of white wine (optional, but adds lovely complexity), and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir gently and cover your pot.
8. Reduce heat to a very low simmer. Here's where patience pays off. Simmer everything for at least 3-4 hours, or even longer. The longer it simmers, the more delicious the feijoada will be! Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the liquid level; add a little more water if needed to prevent it from drying out. That's what we want to avoid!
9. After a good long simmer, taste the feijoada. Adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or orange juice to reach your desired level of deliciousness. Remember, this is all about your taste!
10. Before serving, use a colander to drain any excess liquid from the feijoada. This step helps to enhance the texture and ensure you don't end up with a soupy mess. We like a nice thick consistency around here.
11. Now, arrange the feijoada on a serving platter. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley, orange slices, and farofa (optional, but traditional and amazing). Serve it hot and enjoy with a good side of cheese!
12. Seriously, you deserve a pat on the back! You've made authentic Brazilian feijoada! This is not just a meal, it's an experience—a journey of deliciousness!