Rice with Black Beans (Arroz con Frijoles Negros)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500 g) dried black beans
• 1 large green pepper, cut in half with seeds and stem removed
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
• 1 large green pepper, seeds and stem removed, then chopped
• 4 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp sugar (or ½ packet of low-calorie sweetener)
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp dry white wine (cooking wine or dry sherry is fine)
• Olive oil (see below for quantities)
• 2 cups converted rice

Method

1. The night before you plan to cook, wash the beans and soak them in a large pot with 10 cups of water and one half of a green pepper.
2. The next day, cook them in the same water until they are softer (a low boil, stirring occasionally, about an hour).
3. In a frying pan, heat two tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and green pepper (this is called a sofrito) until soft (about 5–10 minutes).
4. Take a cup of the soft black beans in some liquid and put in a blender. Liquefy the beans. Add this to the frying pan and mix the bean liquid with the sofrito. Then, add the contents of the frying pan to the big pot of beans. Add salt, pepper, oregano, bay leaf, and sugar.
5. Boil about another hour, stirring occasionally. Add vinegar and cooking wine.
6. Boil for about another hour to thicken. Add the 2 tablespoons olive oil and serve.
7. In another large sauce pan, combine rice, 4½ cups water, and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
8. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for about 20 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork once the water has evaporated.