Simple Beans

This is how I prepare beans. I eat them like this, or use them as a base for many of my soups or dips. With this recipe, you can make TONS AND TONS (you can double, triple quadruple...), divvy it out into 2-4 cup portions and freeze to use later. They last for months in the freezer, and have become my 'fast food' option! :)

2 c. beans (any kind)
Water (a LOT. I never measure. I just pour it in. Maybe 8 cups?)
1 Bay leaf
1 whole, peeled onion
3-4 whole, peeled garlic cloves
1-2 Tbsp Olive Oil (or Canola Oil--the oil keeps the beans from foaming too much and boiling over.)

Rinse and clean beans. Pour beans in large pot and add all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then put on Low for around 5 hours. Add salt or chicken boullion to taste right before serving. Voila! :)

As you can see, I don't presoak my beans. I also don't do the quick soak. I just cook them straight from dry and eat them. For many people, this doesn't agree with their 'systems'. If you prefer to soak them overnight, just soak them, rinse, then cook for 2 hours. If you prefer a quick soak, just boil them for 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let sit for about 1 hour. Rinse, then cook for 2 more hours. To me, this is a pain in the neck, so I just let them sit and cook, and it works for us. Lazy? Yes. Still yummy? Yes. :)

Black Bean Soup

This is the most fantastic soup! Oh, so yummy and simple!!

4 c. Black Beans (prepared or 2 cans)
3-4 potatoes, diced
½ lb cooked ham, cut in pieces
4-5 tsp beef bouillon
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup mild chili peppers (Optional)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 ½ tsp oregano
½ tsp thyme
dash of ground cloves

Combine all ingredients in crock pot. Cook on low 8-10 hours, or high 4-5 hours. (If you would rather prepare in a sauce pan, simmer all ingredients for 45 minutes.)

Garnish: Sour cream (I make my tofu sour cream for this. It tastes wonderful!) and fresh diced tomatoes.

Meal Ideas:
Black Bean Soup
Homemade Tortillas (I use the Masa Harina. You can find it almost anywhere.)

Black Bean Dip

One of my most favorite dips in the entire world!

4 cups cooked black beans (you can use two cans if you would like, I prefer to prepare them myself. If you use the cans, make sure you drain all the liquid!!)
3-4 whole cloves garlic
1/4 c Fresh cilantro (or parsley, if you can't find cilantro. Dried does work, just not as flavorful. Use about 2 Tbsp if substituting dried.)
1/4 c Water
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Tbsp freshly squeezed Lime Juice (lemon juice can be substituted, but, again, just doesn't taste quite as good...)
1tsp Salt (or more, to taste)
1 tsp ground Cumin

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth! Tada!! (If you need to add more liquid, alternate adding more lime juice and olive oil by the 1/2 tsp.)

Quick Meal ideas:
Eat this with your favorite chips as a light lunch (I sometimes sprinkle the beans with feta cheese and that adds a very Central American taste to it.)

Use in a burrito for a fun replacement of the usual refried beans!

This is always a hit at parties!