Caribbean Black Beans

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups (about 1/2 pound) dried black beans
12 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped
4 garlic cloves, mined
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground coriander
Salt and black pepper to taste
olive oil

Directions:

1.Put the beans in a large saucepan, add the water and bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Set aside, covered, for 1 hour.

2. Return the beans to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, cook uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours.

3. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and peppers and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and coriander and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

4. Add the onion mixture to the beans and continue simmering until the beans are very tender and the liquid has thickened, about 1 1/2 hours more.

5. Season with salt and pepper and serve with rice.