Black Beans

Ingredients:

1 pound (16 oz or scant 2 ½ cups) dried black beans

1 medium red onion, chopped

4 medium cloves garlic, peeled but left whole

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

8 cups water, more if needed

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, optional for serving

1 tablespoon lime juice for serving

Directions:

Pour beans onto a baking sheet, pick through them to remove any tiny stones/debris

Rinse beans in colander

Soak beans for 8-12 hours

In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté onion with olive oil

Add beans and cover with water

Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, olive oil, sea salt, cumin, red pepper

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low gentle simmer

Cook until tender (45 min - 2 hrs depending on age of beans)

Serve with cilantro and lime or freeze for storage after cooling overnight