A delicious meatless main dish! Use dry beans as the recipe suggests, or if you're short on time, use canned beans, omit the soaking water, and reduce the water in the recipe. Possible garnishes for this meal include diced tomatoes, cilantro, grated cheese, and sour cream, which are not listed in the recipe.
In a large pot, heat 8 cups of water, and then add the black beans, and all of the other ingredients- EXCEPT the catsup and salt. The 1.5 Tbsp. "Spices" listed is "Southwest Spice Blend" sold by Vita Mix/Costco. You can get it online at www.Blenditup.com, or when Vita Mix is @ Costco for a road show. In its place, make the measurements of the cumin, chili powder, and salt heaping teaspoons full. Add 1/2 tsp Paprika. (Remember not to add the salt until the end)
4
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours.
5
Stir beans occasionally. Watch the water level. If the water evaporates before the beans are fully cooked, add anough water to cover the beans- about 1/2 C at a time.
6
When the beans are fully cooked- slightly firm in the middle, but tender, add the salt and the catsup.
7
Adjust the seasoning as you wish. You may want to add a little more salt. Cook another 2-3 minutes, and then keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.
8
Serve with a pot of brown rice.
9
Garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, grated cheese and sour cream.
10
To use canned beans, skip steps 1 and 2. At step 3, omit 5 cups of the water. You may need to add a little more later (step 5)
11
To cook in a crockpot, follow steps 1 and 2. At step 3, bring the water to a boil, and then add all of the ingredients for this step, to a large crock pot. Allow a good 8-10 hours on high for the beans to cook. Follow steps 6 -9 as listed.
Brown Rice
Ingredients
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
2.5
cups
brown rice
6
cups (8 fl oz)
water
Steps
Sequence
Step
1
Cook brown rice according to package or rice cooker directions.
