The Brazilian Feijoada-Inspired Burger is a celebration of culinary fusion, drawing its bold and soulful flavors from Feijoada, Brazil’s national dish. Feijoada is a traditional black bean stew made with an assortment of meats, such as beef and pork, and is often accompanied by rice, collard greens, orange slices, and farofa (toasted cassava flour). Though steeped in history—tracing back to Brazilian colonial times—Feijoada is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural symbol of togetherness, comfort, and Brazilian ingenuity. Transforming this iconic stew into a burger offers a fresh and playful take while honoring its roots.
In Brazil, Feijoada is more than a meal—it’s an event. Traditionally enjoyed during family gatherings or weekend feasts, it captures the essence of sharing and celebration. This burger takes that spirit and adapts it to a format that transcends borders. By deconstructing the stew and highlighting its core elements, this recipe provides a handheld, easy-to-make twist for lovers of global cuisines.
The inspiration behind the Brazilian Feijoada-Inspired Burger lies in its ability to fuse tradition with innovation. The flavors of Feijoada—smoky, savory, and hearty—are skillfully translated into the burger’s components. Coarsely mashed black beans capture the silky texture and earthiness of the stew’s base, while the juicy beef and pork sausage patties evoke the richness of the dish’s protein elements. Smoky paprika and ground cumin infuse the patties with robust, stewed-depth flavors. In a subtle nod to Feijoada’s vibrant accompaniments, garnishes such as peppery arugula (reminiscent of collard greens) and tangy red onion slices provide balance and brightness.
The choice of toppings further connects this burger to its muse. Gooey melted gouda cheese brings a creamy, indulgent quality often associated with comfort food. Additionally, the slight smoky nuttiness of gouda beautifully complements the spices in the patties. Instead of traditional sauces, slightly mashed black beans are used as a spread, reinforcing the burger’s connection to Feijoada. For those who enjoy heat, a drizzle of hot sauce adds an optional kick, reminiscent of the bold attitudes often celebrated in Brazilian cuisine.
One of the joys of this recipe is its approachability. Though the dish draws from Brazil’s rich culinary heritage, it’s designed with practical substitutions and techniques in mind, making it accessible to a global audience. Using familiar burger ingredients and an easy assembly process ensures that anyone, regardless of their cooking expertise, can recreate and enjoy this flavorful homage.
Ultimately, the Brazilian Feijoada-Inspired Burger is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary story. It celebrates Brazil’s unique ability to create comforting, heart-warming dishes while demonstrating the versatility and universal appeal of these flavors. Whether you’re already a fan of Brazilian cuisine or simply seeking to explore something new, this burger provides an exciting way to honor a cultural classic while savoring it in a contemporary, fun format. With every bite, you’re transported to Brazil, surrounded by the warmth, energy, and hospitality for which its cuisine is renowned.
Brazilian Feijoada-Inspired Burger
Ingredients
Patties
- 500 grams ground beef preferably organic, with a rich fat content
- 200 grams pork sausage removed from casing and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Toppings & Assembly
- 4 medium burger buns lightly toasted
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced into rings
- 4 slices gouda cheese or another creamy, meltable cheese
- 1 cup arugula washed
- ½ cup black beans cooked, and slightly mashed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled pork sausage, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into four equally-sized patties, slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F). For a juicier result, leave the patties slightly pink inside.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of gouda cheese on each patty. Cover briefly to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread the slightly mashed black beans on the bottom half of each bun, place the cheese-topped patty on top, add the arugula, and finish with a few rings of red onion. Top with the other half of the bun and serve with optional hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a more authentic touch, add some finely chopped cooked bacon to the meat mixture.
- To save time, you can prepare and shape the patties a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.