Smoked sausage made with pork loin, a small amount of beef (optional) and condiments. It is originally from Portugal, but became a quintessential ingredient in Brazilian Feijoada (hearty meat and bean stew). While paio sausage is in fact mainly used in Brazilian recipes associated with black beans, it can also be combined with lentils, white beans, and added to soups. Among the most popular reparations made with this ingredient is the Portuguese Caldo Verde, a potato and collard greens soup, which is also present on Brazilian tables. Sliced and fried, paio sausage can be served as an appetizer.