BLACK CUBAN RECIPES

Steps:

• Soak beans overnight to soften and remove any small hard stones. The next day, strain and rinse soaked beans with fresh water.
• To cook beans, place in a large pot and add enough water to cover the beans by two inches. Carefully smash whole garlic cloves with the back of a knife and add to the pot of beans along with 2 of the bay leaves.
• Bring the pot to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until tender (90 minutes or up to two hours.) Set aside once cooked.
• Next, in a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic. Add spices (salt through cayenne) and continue stirring until vegetables have softened, 4-6 minutes.
• Rince rice in a strainer until the water comes out clear
• Stir in rinsed (uncooked) rice and sauté for 2 minutes so that the rice starts to toast and lightly brown.
• Pour in chicken broth and add reserved, cooked black beans along with bay leaves. Stir once then bring to a boil. Stir a second time then reduce heat to low and place a tightly fitting lid on the pot. Cook until liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
• Use a fork to loosen the rice and bean mixture then serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Steps:

• In a large stockpot cover beans with water and boil for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand for one hour.
• Drain water and cover with fresh water (6 cups).
• In a skillet saute the onions, bell pepper and garlic in oil for 5 minutes, until tender.
• Add onion mixture and all remaining ingredients, except the red wine vinegar, to the beans and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to simmer covered for 2 hours, until beans are tender.
• Add more water if necessary.
• At the last minute add the red wine vinegar, just before serving.
• Serve with 2 cups of cooked rice.
• Top with chopped green onions, chopped hard boiled eggs or sour cream.