Feijoada Angolana
A hearty and flavorful stew, Feijoada Angolana is a variation of the Portuguese classic, adapted with local Angolan ingredients. It typically features white beans, chicken, and chorizo, simmered in a rich sauce with vegetables like cabbage and carrots, often enhanced with red palm oil for an authentic touch.
🧂 Ingredients
- 350 g Dried white beans(e.g., cannellini or butter beans, soaked overnight)
- 700 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 400 g Chorizo sausage(sliced into rounds)
- 150 ml Red palm oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 ripe Tomatoes(de-seeded and chopped)
- 3 Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 1 small head Cabbage(shredded)
- 6 Piri-piri chilies(finely chopped (or to taste))
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 bunch Parsley(chopped)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the soaked white beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with water by at least 2 inches and bring to a boil. Cook for about 2 hours, or until tender, adding more water if needed. Drain the beans.
⏱️ 2 hours - 2
While the beans are cooking, heat about 2 tablespoons of red palm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped piri-piri chilies to the same skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for another 2 minutes.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Add the chopped tomatoes, carrots, shredded cabbage, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Add the cooked white beans to the skillet. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 6
Stir in the remaining red palm oil and the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 7
Serve hot, traditionally with rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of piri-piri chilies to your spice preference.
- ✓Red palm oil is key for authentic flavor, but can be substituted with vegetable oil if unavailable, though the color and taste will differ.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include other meats like pork or ham.
- A small amount of white wine can be added for extra depth of flavor.