Rinse the chitlins thoroughly under cold running water
Soak them in cold water with salt and vinegar for several hours
Drain and rinse again
Scrape off any remaining fat, debris, or impurities
Cut into manageable pieces
Place in a large pot and cover with fresh water
Add onion, garlic, salt, and seasonings if desired
Bring to a boil
Reduce heat and simmer until tender, usually several hours
Skim off foam and impurities as needed
Add more water during cooking if necessary
Taste and adjust seasoning near the end
Serve hot with your preferred sides