Feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean and Meat Stew)

Directions
Preparation:2hours  ›  Ready in:2hours 

1. Add 6 litres of water, beans, salt, pepper and bay leaves to a very large casserole or saucepan. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 50 minutes.
2. Cut half of the bacon into large cubes, and the other half into small cubes. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, bring another large saucepan with 2 litres water to the boil over high heat. Add the beef, pig's feet and pork ribs. Simmer for 25 minutes. Add the pig's tail, large bacon cubes, pork belly, pig's ear and sausages; simmer for 25 minutes more.
4. Transfer the meats to the bean mixture and simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the garlic for 45 seconds, then transfer it to the beans.
6. In the same pan, fry the small bacon cubes for 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook until it is soft and browned. Add parsley and stir well. Add the mixture to the beans, stir and cook for 25 minutes or until everything is well cooked.
7. Remove the meats and place on a serving dish. Pour the beans in another serving dish and serve hot with rice.

Dried Beef

The dried beef called for in this recipe is called charque or carne seca in Brazil. It can be hard to find in Australia and New Zealand, and can be omitted if necessary.