PRESERVED BLACK BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• Place our fermented black beans in a bowl, and rinse them under running water for 15-20 seconds. Gently massage the beans as you do this. Drain the water, and set the bowl aside to let the beans rehydrate.
• Cut the spare ribs between the bones into small pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches), and place them into a bowl.
• This step is done in 3 parts.
• Before we start marinating, if you want to save time for later, start boiling 3-4 cups of water. This will be added to our wok when we start steaming.
• Heat our wok on our stove, placing our steamer rack in the center of the wok. Add enough boiled water so that it just barely covers the entire steamer rack.
• Carefully place the plate of ribs on top of the steamer rack. Double check to make sure that there's a little bit of water touching the bottom surface of the plate.
• After 20 minutes, turn the heat off, uncover the wok, garnish with the green onions, and carefully remove the plate from the wok. Enjoy!

Steps:

• Rinse, drain and pick through beans for stones or debris. Soak overnight covered with 8 cups of water, or use the quick cook method below. Drain, rinse and return to the pot.
• Cover with 8 cups of fresh water. Add the salt pork, onion and cayenne; bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, and cook uncovered for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until thickened and creamy. Do not allow to boil.
• Stir in the bacon fat or butter, taste and season as needed with salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning. 
• Serve as is, with raw or pickled onions and cornbread, corn muffins or cornmeal hoecakes on the side. Great served with fried potatoes and greens, and some folks enjoy these served over rice.