Ingredients

1 pound dried black beans

2 green bell peppers, halved and seeded

8 cups water

1 medium onion, quartered

2 clovs garlic

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 bay leaf

Salt, to taste

1/4  cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup olive oil (optional)

How to prepare

Soak the beans with one of the green peppers in the water for eight hours or overnight. After soaking, bring the beans, pepper and water to a boil, then immediately turn the heat to simmer and cook, covered for 1-1/2 hours or until the beans are almost tender. Prepare a sauce, called sofrito, by combining the other green bell pepper, the onion, garlic, cumin, bay leaf and a little of the cooking water in a blender. Blend on low until the mixture is smooth. Add the sofrito to the beans. Baking to a boil, then immediately  reduce the heat to a simmer. Add salt and wine, vinegar and sugar. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the bean mixture becomes thick, about two minutes, stirring occasionally. If desired, add the olive oil immediately before serving. Serve over steamed rice.

Serve 6

Preparation Time:1/2 hour

Cooking Time: 3-1/2 hours

Soaking Time: 8 hours