Feijuada: A Traditional Brazilian Stew

Ingredients:

• 450 g black beans, dried (not canned)
• 450 g of salted pork ribs
• 450 g of salted bacon
• 8 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 2 onions, peeled and finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 large smoked sausages, cut into large pieces
• 450 g smoked pork ribs, cut into pieces
• 450 g smoked pork belly, cut into pieces
• 1 tbsp. ground black pepper
• 5 bay leaves
• To serve: boiled rice, orange slices, salad greens

Preparation:

1. Cover the beans with cold water and soak overnight. Also soak the brined ribs and bacon in cold water overnight.
2. Drain the beans and place them in a large saucepan filled with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
3. Rinse the soaked brined ribs and bacon thoroughly, add to the beans, and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. Heat a very large saucepan and pour in enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Add the sausages, smoked ribs, and brisket, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Stir in the cooked beans and meat and cover with water. Simmer for about 1 hour, until the meat is falling off the bones.
4. Serve feijuada with cooked white rice, orange slices and chopped salad greens sautéed in olive oil with finely chopped onion and garlic.