Cuban Black Beans

This recipe is taken from the book Vegetarian Cooking for Dummies
by Suzanne Havala, M.S, R.D. pg. 203.

This recipe can be served over rice as an entree or thinned with vegetable broth, it can double as black bean soup.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

1/4 olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, including green leaves, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups (two 20-ounce cans) black beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups dried black beans, soaked or cooked in a pressure cooker)
2 tsp salt, or to taste
1 bay leaf
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
2 tbls lemon juice

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Cook the onions, green bell peppers, celery, and garlic in the oil over medium heat until the onions are translucent (about 10 minutes).

2. Add the beans, salt, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, and lemon juice and stir well to combine.

3. Cover and simmer for another 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the bay leaf and serve over rice.

Per serving: Calories 195 (From Fat 63); Fat 7g (Saturated 1g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 593mg; Carbohydrate 25g (Dietary Fiber 9g); Protein 8g.