Hispanic Black Beans

Black beans are a staple in most Hispanic dishes they are made in the mornings by Colombian’s traditionally from Medellin but I’ve seen, ate and found it all over the Country in a dish called “Calentao” which translates into “reheated” [last nights leftovers and eggs to be exact] its made of eggs and left over’s which usually has last nights rice, arepa, tomatoes, what ever meat you had chicken or steak, eggs and you guessed it, Beans! We eat it for dinner to accompany its only friend white rice [lately rown and Jasmine rice have become fast friends but customarily its White rice] or in the afternoon accompanied with a nice salad and chicken or steak.Cubans make it as Congri [Also knows as moros y cristianos] which is a mixture of both the rice and beans together with small pieces of pork. As you can tell we love beans! And depending on region it is black beans, black eye peas, red beans ect. This recepie works for most of them and you can always tweak it to your liking.

Depending on the meal or occasions we make them but Usually its Black Beans but as any good Southerner knows, if its New Years its good luck to make Black Eye peas in order to have prosperity for the Next Year.



Ingredients:

4 Cups ~ Black Bean


6 to 8 ~ Bay Leafs

1 Tablespoon ~ Oregano


4 packets~ Sazon Goya


2/3 cup~ Mojo


1/3 cup~ Lemon


1 Tablespoon ~ Garlic

1 Tablespoon ~ Cappers

1 Tablespoon ~ Green olives with pimientos inside
* I usually cut them into small pieces but they are great whole as well.

¼ Teaspoon of either Hot Sauce or if you’d prefer Vinegar
*[Hot sauce has Vinegar and the kick is subtle so I use Crystal but if your not into that regular or apple cider vinegar are okay as well]


1 piece~ Ham Hock
*[You can either buy it at the grocery store; just ask your meat department. If not save it when you make ham ect. And freeze it.]

2~Tomatoes sliced into small pieces


1~White Onions sliced into small pieces


3~ Long Onions sliced into small pieces


1~ Green Peppers sliced into small pieces


1~ Yellow Peppers sliced into small pieces


1~ Red Peppers sliced into small pieces
PEPPERS: I usually make it with only green but if in season or affordable price I will add on the yellow and red for that splurge of extra color and vitamins.


If you are making black beans from a bag you must let them sit in water for 24 to 48 hours, we call it “Al cereno” which isn’t very accurate as it not only in the evening you will have it out. This allows them to open and be ready for cooking. You may also buy easy and ready to use cans to avoid the hassle or like us in order to get them done quickly.

Add all the ingredients in and adjust allowing simmering as much as possible. After about an hour or two it will taste wonderful and be ready to pour. Smaller batches will cook quicker and if you want to make it an all day thing you can [we do so for our larger cook outs].

Once done on a different pot add 2 cups of rice, a pinch of salt and some slivers of onions with 4 cups of water and boil. Serve and be ready to hear PLEANTY of compliments.

Bon Appetite!