If using dried beans, tip into a large bowl, cover with water and soak overnight. The next day, drain and rinse. Cover with fresh water in a large, lidded saucepan, then bring to the boil over a medium-high heat. Cover the pan and cook for 10 mins. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Remove from the heat and set aside. (If using canned beans, skip this step.)

Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat and fry the onions with a pinch of salt for 15 mins or until soft and just golden. If the onions begin to brown too quickly, add a splash of water. Stir in the garlic, cook for 1 min more, then add all the meat and bay leaves.

Tip in the boiled beans and 200ml of the cooking liquid or the canned beans and their liquid. Everything should be covered with liquid – top up with cold water if there’s not enough. Give it a good stir, then cover and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 2-3 hrs. Serve hot, scattered with the coriander, alongside farofa or steamed rice, if you like.