This Brazilian-style black bean stew is a straightforward, home-friendly recipe. It combines smoky sausage with black beans and vegetables for a hearty meal that comes together quickly. It’s great for using pantry staples without any fuss.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Growing up, black bean stews were a regular comfort food in Brazilian households, especially on cooler evenings. There’s something about the combination of beans and sausage simmered slowly that just feels like home. I remember my parents cooking it in a big pot on the stove, filling the whole kitchen with rich, savory smells.
This version is pared down a bit to make it approachable for busy cooks. It skips long soaking times by using canned beans but keeps the flavor by adding smoked sausage and a simple mix of aromatics. It’s a flexible dish — you can easily swap in your favorite sausage or add in greens toward the end.
I often serve this with plain rice, letting the tender beans and smoky sausage take center stage. Leftovers taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had more time to meld. It’s a reliable recipe when you want something warm and straightforward without a lot of steps.
Cuisine: Brazilian
Course: Dinner
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 smoked sausages (about 10 oz), sliced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Step 2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
- Step 5. Pour in the black beans and broth, then stir in cumin and paprika.
- Step 6. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes to thicken slightly and let flavors meld.
- Step 7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if you like.
Tips for Success
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon while cooking.
- Swap smoked sausage for chorizo or kielbasa if you want a slightly different flavor.
- Adding a handful of chopped kale or spinach near the end adds extra nutrition and color.
Variations & Substitutions
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and add smoked paprika plus a diced smoked tofu or mushrooms for umami.
- Try adding diced tomatoes or a splash of vinegar for a bit of acidity.
- Serve over cooked farro or quinoa instead of rice for a different grain option.
