Basic black beans

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
14ouncesDried black beans
2quarts;Water
teaspoonBaking soda
½teaspoonGround oregano
2teaspoonsGround cumin
1Green pepper; quartered
½Onion; finely chopped
3tablespoonsMinced garlic
¼cupOlive oil
3tablespoonsCider vinegar
¼cupSherry wine
Salt; to taste

Directions

Rinse beans and discard any stones. In a large pot, soak beans overnight in water with baking soda, oregano, cumin and green pepper.

The next day, add onion, garlic, olive oil, cider vinegar, sherry and salt to the water and cook on medium-low heat for about 3 hours or until the beans are very tender and liquid is reduced and somewhat thickened. Make sure liquid in pot does not entirely boil away. To prevent beans from burning, add more water when necessary.

Recipe from Sandy Vasquez of Honduras and Miami, FL, who got the recipe from her Cuban grandmother. Tried on 09/01/90 when Sandy taught a Cuban cooking class at The Cookbook Cottage/1279 Bardstown Rd./Louisville, KY 40204. Posted by Cathy Harned.

Submitted By ROBERT MILES On 08-13-95