BRAZILIAN PORK & BLACK BEAN STEW

During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was Feijoada, a chili/stew served over white rice. I introduced this recipe to my family and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods.

—ANDREA ROMANCZYK MAGNA, UT



PREP: 15 MIN. + SOAKING • COOK: 7 HOURS • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


1/2 cups dried black beans

1 pound smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, sliced

1 pound boneless country-style pork ribs

1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked Spanish chorizo links, sliced

1 smoked ham hock

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 bay leaves

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

5 cups water

Hot cooked rice

1. Rinse and sort beans; soak according to the package directions. Drain and rinse, discarding the soaking liquid.

2. In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine beans with the next nine ingredients. Add water; cook, covered, on low until the meat and beans are tender, 7-9 hours.

3. Remove pork ribs and ham hock. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones; discard the bones and bay leaves. Shred meat with two forks; return to slow cooker. Serve with hot cooked rice.

To freeze: Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary.