Cuban Black Beans

Recipe courtesy of Carolina Molea on behalf of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses

Serving: 6

1 quart water

1 green bell pepper, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced, divided

4 cloves garlic, peeled, divided

1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 slices bacon, diced

1/2 Spanish onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Fill large pot with water. Add 1/2 diced green pepper, two garlic cloves, beans and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour.

In skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add bacon; cook, turning, until bacon starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add remaining green pepper and onion; cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.

Chop remaining garlic cloves. Add to skillet with oregano, cumin and black pepper. Stir 1 minute. Pour in vinegar, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon.

When beans are cooked, discard bay leaf. Transfer 1 cup beans to blender; blend to make paste. Return blended beans to large pot. Add bacon mixture and sugar. Stir well; bring to boil over medium heat. Lower heat, simmer and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes, skimming foam from top.