Recipe: Cuban black beans

This is a rich and meaty recipe that makes a nice big pot. Leftovers freeze well. Adapted from momtoellis’s recipe on allrecipes.com. 

Wash & soak overnight (or boil until soft in plenty of water):

• 2 pounds dried black beans

Rinse until the water is clear.

Saute until soft in 1/2 cup olive oil a large pot:

• 2 medium sweet onions, chopped
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped

Turn on medium-high heat and add 9 cups water + the beans.

Mix in a bowl:

• 12 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 cup water
• 12 oz (2 small cans) canned tomato paste
• 8 oz diced pimentos from a jar, drained
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoon white sugar

Add to pot and boil for at least 2 hours with the top slightly off to vaporize the liquid.