Pulled Smoked Meat with Beans and Tomatoes
·Soak the beans ahead
Soak the beans the day before. The next day, drain off the water, rinse the beans and put them on to cook. Simmer until tender, then season with salt near the end and cook for a few more minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside until the smoked meat is done.
Cook the meat
Put the meat on to cook at the same time as the beans and simmer until tender. How long this takes depends on the cut of meat you've chosen. Once tender, pull the meat off the bones and use the cooking liquid as a soup base.
Make the tomato and bean mixture
Heat the oil in a pot and sauté the finely chopped onion until golden. Add the tinned tomatoes and season with salt, pepper and thyme. Simmer together for five minutes.
Combine everything
Add the beans to warm through. Finally, stir in the shredded smoked meat. Season to taste with your chosen spicy ingredient. Serve immediately, ideally with fresh bread, or on its own.