📖 Instructions

1. First things first, gather your ingredients! Make sure everything's fresh, especially the herbs. Trust me, fresh herbs make ALL the difference. I learned that lesson the hard way, once.
2. Let's tackle the feijoada. Start by rinsing your beans – black beans, preferably, but any dark bean works in a pinch. Soak them overnight if you’re feeling organized; otherwise, a quick 30-minute soak in hot water will do the trick.
3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, sauté the diced onions, garlic, and peppers until they're beautifully softened and fragrant. Don't rush this step, it’s vital for flavor. Next, toss in your smoked sausages, pork ribs, bacon, and beef – you can't have feijoada without that amazing mix of proteins.
4. Once your meats have browned nicely, dump in your soaked beans and cover them generously with water or broth. Add the bay leaves, orange peel, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it bubble away for at least 3 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
5. While your feijoada simmers blissfully, prepare the Sarapatel. This is where things get a little… adventurous. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you. Firstly, clean the sheep's offal very, very carefully. If you have a trusted butcher, let them do this part; otherwise, youtube is your friend! This is a VERY important step, so ensure you do it thoroughly.
6. Once cleaned, chop the offal into bite-sized pieces, then saute it in a separate pan with the onions, garlic and peppers until tender. Now, this is crucial: add your spices here. Don't be shy with the chili powder, cumin, and oregano – those flavors make all the difference!
7. Once the sarapatel is ready, add a splash of your favorite vinegar – apple cider works well! That little bit of acidity is an incredible counterpoint to the richness of the meat. Let is simmer for about 20 min.
8. Taste and adjust the seasonings in both dishes. It’s a personal journey; some prefer a spicier feijoada, while others enjoy a more subtle blend of flavors. This is where your culinary creativity shines through!
9. When both dishes are ready, serve the feijoada in large bowls.Garnish with some chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve the Sarapatel on the side and enjoy!