Slow Cooker Black Beans [Brazilian Style]

Sort through the beans, removing any debris. Then, wash the beans thoroughly under cold running water. Next, place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let the beans soak for 30 minutes. After soaking, skim off and remove any floating beans.

Drain the soaking water from the beans and refill the bowl with cold water. Let the beans soak for another 30 minutes.

Drain the beans once more. Then, add the drained beans to a slow cooker. Next, add the sausages, the bay leaf, and 5 1/2 cups of hot water to the slow cooker.

Close the lid of the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours.

After 3 hours, open the lid of the slow cooker. Keep the slow cooker set to high while you proceed with the next steps.

Season the contents of the slow cooker with salt and pepper. Then, add the cumin and the vinegar to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

While the slow cooker is still on high, place a large skillet over medium - high heat. Add the bacon to the skillet and let it cook until it turns lightly browned.

Pour the olive oil into the skillet with the bacon. Then, add the onions to the skillet. Sauté the onions until they become transparent, which should take about 2 - 3 minutes.

Add the garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic into the mixture and continue to sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

Transfer the contents of the skillet into the slow cooker with the beans. Stir the mixture well to combine. Then, cover the slow cooker again. Let the beans cook until they reach your desired thickness, which should take about 30 minutes to an hour.