Beans, Beans

I used to buy canned beans. They're easy and quick. Then I learned that regardless of their organic status, cans can actually contain BPA. With a rise in environmental related diseases, I vowed to reduce our canned consumption.

I began buying dried beans. I don't have the patience for the overnight method often because I don't think of meals until the day of. It takes a little over three hours for the beans to soak and cook using the quick method.

Black Beans, Cuban Style

Rinse and sort one bag of black beans.
Put beans in a large pot and cover with 6 cups distilled water.
Bring to boil and boil for two minutes.
After the two minutes, turn off the heat and cover for 1 hour.
Rinse beans and return to pot.
Cover with 6 cups water.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of cumin and 1 tablespoon of mild chili powder.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer with the lid tilted for 1.5 hours.

My kids prefer mashed beans so I add a cup of beans with liquid to the blender and puree.

The beans also freeze well if you can't finish them all.

Bon Appetit!