FEIJOADA(BRAZILIAN BLACK BEANS)

Steps:

• The night before, soak the beans in a large bowl with water to cover at least 3-4 inches.
• Soak the carne seca in water to cover.
• The next morning, drain the beans and place in a large pot with water to cover by at least 3 inches.
• Bring the beans to a boil in medium heat.
• Meanwhile, cut the carne seca into 1-inch pieces.
• Cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces.
• (When I use the Portuguese sausage I usually prick it with a fork and simmer it for ten minutes in enough water to cover; then I cut it.) Cut the ribs into 2-rib sections.
• Add the carne seca, sausage, ribs and bay leaves to the beans.
• Simmer for about 2 hours or until soft (Goya brand black beans usually take about 2 hours), stirring from time to time, adding water as necessary to keep beans covered.
• Keep an eye on the beans so they don't burn at the bottom!
• Chop the onion and garlic.
• Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook until golden brown.
• Add two ladlefuls of beans and mash them.
• Put this back into the pot.
• It will thicken and season the beans.
• Continue to simmer gently for at least another hour, adding water as necessary.
• A good feijoada should have a creamy consistency when done.
• Remove the bay leaves.
• Some people take the meats out at this point and serve them separately on a platter.
• I like to leave them in with the beans, it keeps them hot.
• Serve the feijoada and garnishes in ceramic bowls and platters, it will add a touch of authenticity!
• To serve feijoada, put a mound or rice on your plate and place a ladleful or two of feijoada on top.
• Arrange oranges and couve around the sides.
• Sprinkle the beans and couve with farofa and add a spoonful of sauce to the side.