Rinse the pig feet thoroughly under cold water
Scrub off any remaining hairs or debris
Cut the pig feet into smaller pieces if desired
Place the pig feet in a large pot
Cover with water
Add salt, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and pepper if desired
Bring to a boil
Skim off any foam that rises to the top
Reduce heat to a simmer
Cover and cook until tender, about 2 to 4 hours
Check occasionally and add more water if needed
Remove the pig feet when they are soft and fully cooked
Drain and serve as desired