Azore Style Feijos Beans Recipes

FEIJOS FROM THE AZORES

Steps:

• 1. *NOTE: Can also substitute sausage for the bacon or ham hock. Portuguese linguica, Spanish chorizo or Louisiana andouille, vegetarian "soyrizo" (for a vegetarian version), etc. are suggestions. My preference being bacon as I don't care for sausage or ham hock. For additional flavor, I usually dry roast the spices in a cast iron skillet first.
• 2. Soak the beans overnight. Cook the bacon and drain on paper towel. Next saute the onion and garlic. Once cooled, break up the bacon into little pieces.
• 3. In large Dutch oven or in crock pot, combine all the ingredients, including the water, excluding the salt. If using a Dutch oven, simmer the beans on medium-low for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are soft.
• 4. If using a crock pot simmer on low 8 hours or until beans are soft. Salt the beans once cooked.
• 5. Adjust seasoning before serving. Now season with salt. Remove whole cloves, cinnamon stick and whole allspice. Great with freshly baked, crusty bread. Tastes even better if prepared one day ahead then warmed.

PORTUGUESE BEANS

Steps:

• Cook beans, by putting in heavy kettle, cover, with 3 inches of water. Do not cover pot with lid, boil for 3 minutes. NOW cover and remove from heat.
• Let stand 1 hour. Cook bacon or salt pork add to beans. Do not disguard drippings.
• Return to heat, remove lid and boil, reduce to simmer approximately 1-2 hours.Until tender, drain off water until just covered.
• Take pan drippings and cook onion.
• Add Allspice and Ketchup cook at a simmer 2 minutes.
• Add mixture to beans and simmer, the day away.