Feijoada (Meat Stew)

One of Brazil's favorites,Feijoada (Meat Stew)

Ingredients

    * 3 strips of raw bacon
    * 2 onions
    * 3 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
    * 1 pound smoked sausage
    * 1 pound boneless beef (any cut of meat)
    * 1 can (14-ounce) stewed tomatoes
    * 1 cup hot water
    * 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
    * 4 cups canned black beans
    * Salt and pepper

Procedure

   1. Cut the bacon strips into big pieces. Fry them in a large pot over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
   2. Turn the heat down to medium.
   3. Cut the onion in half. Peel off the skin and outer layer. Chop both halves into small pieces.
   4. Peel the cloves of garlic. Chop them into small pieces.
   5. Add the onions and garlic to the bacon in the pot. Stir until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes.
   6. Cut the sausage and beef into 1-inch pieces. Add them to the onions and garlic.
   7. Cook until the meat is brown on all sides.
   8. Add the stewed tomatoes (with juice), hot water, yellow mustard, and some salt and pepper. Turn the heat down to simmer. Cover the pot.
   9. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring often. If it looks too thick, add more water, ¼ cup at a time. Add the black beans (with liquid).
  10. Cover the pot, and cook for 10 more minutes.

Serves 10 to 12.