Caraotas Negras Recipes

CARAOTAS NEGRAS (BLACK BEANS)

Steps:

• Soak black beans in enough cold water to cover by 3 inches overnight. Drain. Combine water, lard, garlic and epazote in heavy large Dutch oven over high heat. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are very tender and creamy, about 2 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

CARAOTAS NEGRAS

Steps:

• 1. Wash and pick over the beans. Put the beans to soak for 2 to 4 hours in a saucepan in enough cold water to cover by 2 inches.
• 2. Add enough water to cover the beans by 1 inch as they will have absorbed much of the soaking water. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook until the beans are tender, about 2 hours.
• 3. In a skillet heat the oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until both are soft. Add the garlic, cumin, sugar, and the pimientos, if using instead of bell pepper. Sauté for a minute or two, then stir into the beans.
• 4. Season with salt to taste, and cook, partially covered, over low heat for 1/2 hour longer.
• 5. The beans will be quite dry.

VERY SIMPLE BLACK BEANS (CARAOTAS NEGRAS)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper to pan; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in sugar, garlic, black pepper, and cumin; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir in 1 cup water and beans; bring to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, and stir in vinegar.