Directions
1.Wash hands with soap and warm water. Wash produce well and chop as directed.
2.Spread beans on a tray to pick out and discard any small stones.
3.Transfer beans to a strainer and rinse.
4.Soak the beans by either the Overnight-, or Quick-soak method. See the packaging or the notes below for instructions.
5.After soaking, drain beans, rinse briefly and return to pot.
6.Add all other ingredients to pot. Add enough fresh water to cover beans by about two inches.
7.Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until beans are tender, about 1½hours. Then salt, to taste.
8.If you want to add ground beef to beans, cook before adding it. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, add a little vegetable oil and sauté beef until browned and juices run clear. Garnish with chopped tomatoes and cilantro.
9.Serve hot or chill and refrigerate for up to one week. After cooling, beans can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
For Fiesta Spice Blend
1.Wash hands with soap and warm water.
2.In a small bowl, combine spices.
3.Store at room temperature for up to three months.
Cook’s Note: When recipes tell you to " soak beans for 8 hours or overnight," it doesn't have to be exact. We like to put beans to soak before work, then drain, and rinse.
For Overnight-Soak Method:
1.Place beans in a large pot. Cover with a few inches of cold water and soak for 8 hours or overnight.
2.Drain and rinse beans.
3.Cook beans with fresh water on the stovetop or in a crockpot.
For Quick-Soak Method:
1.Place sorted, rinsed beans in a large pot. Cover with a few inches of cold water. Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes.
2.Remove from heat, cover pot and let beans soak in pot of hot water for 1 hour.
3.Drain and rinse beans.
4.Cook beans with fresh water on the stovetop or in a crockpot.