Fabada Asturiana

Description
Fabada is known as “Asturian stew” and is heavy, full of calories and delicious.
 * Serves 6.

Ingredients

 * 2½ lbs dry (not canned) butter beans
 * 4 medium sized “chorizos” (Spanish pork sausages available at gourmet shops, delis and some supermarkets)
 * 4 smoked “morcilla” blood sausages
 * 1 lb shoulder of pork
 * 6 slices of Serrano ham on the bone
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 5 cloves garlic

Directions

 * 1) Soak the beans overnight in cold water (important they are soaked at least 10 hours).
 * 2) When beans are ready, soak the meats in warm water.
 * 3) In a separate large pot, add the beans garlic and onion and add water to cover the ingredients.
 * 4) Bring to a boil, then throw away the top layer that rises to the surface.
 * 5) Add all the other ingredients, and water to cover, place on very low heat, and slow cook for 2½ - 3 hours.
 * 6) While cooking, gently shake the pot by the handles (never stirring, which breaks the beans) about every 20 minutes.
 * 7) Add water throughout the cooking time s necessary, making sure the liquid always covers the ingredients.
 * 8) When cooked fully, add salt to taste and let cool for 10 minutes.
 * 9) Take out the meats and cut into small pieces, serving the meat separately from the stew.