Rinse the chitterlings thoroughly under cold running water
Remove any visible fat, debris, and impurities
Soak them in cold water with vinegar or lemon juice for several minutes
Scrape and clean each piece carefully
Rinse again several times until the water runs clear
Place the cleaned chitterlings in a large pot
Cover with fresh water
Add salt, onion, garlic, and seasonings if desired
Bring to a boil
Reduce to a simmer and cook until tender
Skim off any foam or residue during cooking
Drain the chitterlings
Serve hot with your preferred sides