How to make a feijoada for 30 people: Step-by-step and tips

Feijoada is more than just a dish of Brazilian cuisine; it's a celebration of flavors, traditions and social interaction. Gathering friends and family around a bountiful table of feijoada is a ritual that transcends simple eating, becoming a moment of sharing and joy. However, preparing feijoada for a large group, such as 30 people, may seem like a challenging task at first. 

But don't worry, with our step-by-step guide and a host of valuable tips, you'll be able to carry out this culinary endeavor successfully, ensuring that all your guests enjoy a deliciously authentic feijoada.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Preparing a feijoada for 30 people requires a careful selection of ingredients to ensure the authentic flavor and quality of the dish.

• Black beans: Choose good quality black beans that are fresh and free from impurities. Calculate about 1.5 kg to 2 kg of beans to feed 30 people.
• Meat: Feijoada traditionally includes a variety of meats, such as carne seca, linguiça calabresa, paio, pork ribs, and pigs' ears and feet. Make sure you buy sufficient quantities of each type of meat, considering around 150g to 200g per person of each variety.
• Bacon: Bacon adds flavor and juiciness to feijoada. Buy smoked bacon and cut it into small pieces.
• Seasonings and condiments: Garlic, onion, black pepper, bay leaf and cumin are essential for adding flavor to feijoada. Keep these spices on hand to sauté the meat and beans.
• Cassava flour: Manioc flour is a classic accompaniment to feijoada, served to sprinkle on top of the dish. Make sure you have enough for all the guests.
• White rice: To accompany the feijoada, don't forget the white rice. Calculate approximately 80g to 100g of rice per person.
• Oranges: Oranges are traditionally served as an accompaniment to feijoada, as their acidity helps to balance out the flavors. Buy some to cut into slices and serve at the table.

Organizing the Kitchen and the Necessary Utensils

Before you start preparing your feijoada for 30 people, it's essential to organize your kitchen and make sure you have all the necessary utensils at hand. Here are some tips to help you organize:

• Workspace: Clean and disinfect your worktop to ensure a clean and safe environment for handling food. Make sure there is enough space for all stages of preparation.
• Basic utensils: Gather basic kitchen utensils, such as sharp knives, cutting boards, wooden spoons, spatulas and pans big enough to hold the feijoada.
• Pressure cooker: A large pressure cooker will be your best friend when cooking beans and meat. Make sure it's in good condition and has a properly working safety valve.
• Extra pans: You'll need extra pans to prepare the rice, fry the bacon and sauté the spices. Have a few pans on hand to make the cooking process easier.
• Bowls and containers: Have extra bowls and containers to store chopped ingredients, prepared spices and ready-made food. This will help keep your kitchen organized and make the preparation process easier.
• Serving accessories: Don't forget the serving accessories, such as ladles for the beans, spoons for the rice and platters for the feijoada and side dishes.
• Cleanliness and organization: Keep clean dishcloths handy to clean up spills and maintain hygiene during preparation. Also have a garbage can nearby to dispose of waste and keep the kitchen tidy.

By organizing your kitchen and gathering the necessary utensils in advance, you will ensure a more efficient and smooth preparation process, allowing you to concentrate fully on creating a delicious feijoada for your guests.

Step-by-Step Feijoada Preparation

Preparing a feijoada is more than just a culinary activity; it's a ritual that involves care, tradition and dedication. In this detailed step-by-step guide, we'll take you through each stage of the process of preparing an authentic feijoada for 30 people. 

From the selection of fresh ingredients to the careful cooking of the meats and the perfect seasoning of the beans, every step is crucial to guarantee the irresistible flavor and perfect consistency of this dish so beloved in Brazilian cuisine.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Wash and drain the black beans. Soak them in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften the beans.

Cut the meat into smaller pieces if necessary, such as dried meat, Calabrian sausage, paio, pork ribs, pigs' ears and feet.

Chop the fresh spices, such as garlic, onion and paprika, and separate them for the sauté.

Step 2: Cooking the meat

Put the meat (except the bacon) in a large pressure cooker and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat for about 30 minutes after the pressure starts.

Remove the meat from the pan and reserve the resulting stock to add to the beans later.

Step 3: Preparing the beans

In the same pressure cooker, sauté the bacon until it is golden and crispy.

Add the chopped spices and sauté until they are soft and aromatic.

Add the drained beans to the pan, along with the reserved meat stock.

Cook the beans over medium-high heat for about 20 to 30 minutes after the pressure starts, or until the beans are soft and cooked.

Step 4: Finishing the Feijoada

Add the cooked meat to the beans and cook for a few more minutes so that the flavors blend.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt, black pepper or other spices of your choice.

Serve the feijoada hot, accompanied by white rice, farofa, sliced oranges and braised cabbage.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Now it's time to enjoy this delight! Serve your feijoada to 30 people with joy and celebration, sharing special moments around the table.

Ideal side dishes and garnishes

Side dishes and garnishes are essential for a complete and tasty feijoada. In addition to enriching the gastronomic experience, they also complement and balance the intense flavors of the main course. Among the traditional and ideal options to accompany a feijoada are:

White rice

White rice is one of the most classic and indispensable accompaniments to feijoada. Its neutrality and soft texture provide a pleasant contrast to the full-bodied flavor and creamy consistency of the beans. In addition, the rice acts as a base that absorbs the juices and sauces of the feijoada, making each bite even more delicious.

Farofa

Farofa is another traditional side dish that complements feijoada very well. Made from cassava flour and various optional ingredients such as bacon, eggs, onion and spices, farofa adds a crunchy texture and irresistible flavor to the dish. Its presence on the table is practically obligatory, as it offers a unique sensory experience when combined with beans and meat.

Oranges

Sliced oranges are a classic garnish for feijoada, and not just for aesthetic reasons. Their citrusy, refreshing flavor helps cleanse the palate between mouthfuls, providing a welcome contrast to the richness and density of the main course. What's more, oranges offer an extra dose of vitamin C, making the meal more balanced and healthy.

Braised cabbage

Braised cabbage is a versatile and nutritious side dish that adds color, flavor and texture to the feijoada table. Prepared with garlic, onion and olive oil, braised cabbage offers a light and fresh counterpoint to the intense flavors of feijoada, making it a popular choice among lovers of Brazilian cuisine.

Chili sauce

For lovers of a spicy touch, chili sauce is an indispensable accompaniment. Its presence on the table allows each person to adjust the level of spiciness according to their personal preferences, adding an element of personalization and variety to the meal.

Tips to Make the Preparation Process Easier

Preparing a feijoada for 30 people may seem like a challenging task, but with a few useful tips, you can make the process easier and more efficient.

1. Plan ahead

Before the day of preparation, make a detailed list of all the ingredients needed and check that you have all the necessary utensils and equipment. This will avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth preparation.

2. Pre-prepare

The day before, take the opportunity to carry out some pre-preparation steps, such as soaking the beans, cutting the meat into pieces and chopping the spices. This will save time the next day and speed up the cooking process.

3. Use a pressure cooker

The pressure cooker is a valuable ally when preparing feijoada for a large group. It significantly reduces the cooking time of the meat and beans, allowing you to save time without compromising the taste or quality of the dish.

4. Organize your kitchen

Before you start cooking, make sure your kitchen is clean, organized and has enough space to work comfortably. Keep all the ingredients and utensils close at hand for easy access during preparation.

5. Divide the tasks

If possible, ask friends or family to help you divide up the tasks. While someone takes care of the beans and meat, someone else can prepare the side dishes, such as rice, farofa and braised cabbage. This will make the process faster and more fun.

6. Use ready-made or semi-ready-made ingredients

If you're short of time, consider using ready-made or semi-ready-made ingredients, such as canned pre-cooked beans or seasoned cuts of meat. This will help reduce the preparation time without compromising the taste of the final dish.

7. Stay organized and focused

During preparation, stay organized and focused on the stages of the process. Follow the recipe step-by-step and regularly check the cooking time of the meat and beans to ensure that everything is ready at the right time.

Strategies to Keep Feijoada Hot and Tasty until Serving Time

Keeping the feijoada hot and tasty until it's time to serve it is essential to guarantee a satisfying dining experience for your guests.

1. Use thermal containers

Transfer the finished feijoada to previously heated thermal containers or clay pots. These containers help to maintain the temperature of the dish for longer, ensuring that it stays hot until it's time to serve.

2. Keep in a bain-marie

If you don't have thermal containers available, opt for keeping the feijoada in a bain-marie. Place the pan with the feijoada in a larger pan of hot water, keeping the heat on low. This will help keep the feijoada heated evenly without burning the bottom of the pan.

3. Cover properly

Cover the feijoada with a firm lid or aluminum foil while keeping it warm. This will help retain the heat and prevent moisture loss, ensuring that the feijoada remains juicy and tasty.

4. Stir from time to time

Stir the feijoada occasionally while keeping it warm. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the bottom of the dish from burning.

5. Reheat Carefully

If the feijoada begins to cool before serving time, you can carefully reheat it over a low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add a little water if necessary to prevent the feijoada from becoming too thick.

6. Serve in smaller portions

If possible, serve the feijoada in smaller portions and replenish as necessary. This will help keep the temperature of the feijoada warm for longer and prevent it from cooling down too quickly.

A good feijoada is made with love

Preparing a feijoada for 30 people is an experience that goes beyond simple cooking; it's an act of love, sharing and tradition. By following this step-by-step guide and incorporating the useful tips provided, you'll be ready to create a memorable meal that will delight all your guests. 

From the careful choice of ingredients to the cooking process and final presentation, every detail is important to ensure the success of this delicious gastronomic journey. So get to work and enjoy the pleasure of sharing an authentic Brazilian feijoada with those you love. Bon appetit!

See also: Simple lemon tart with cornstarch: Here's how to make it

March 30th, 2024