Black Beans Menocal

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Ingredients

 * 1 Black beans
 * 2 lrg Green bell peppers
 * 1 lrg Onion
 * 4 lrg Cloves of garlic
 * 2/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil
 * 3 tsp Salt
 * 1/2 Ground black pepper
 * 1/2 Dry oregano
 * 1 Bay leaf
 * 2 tbl Sugar
 * 2 tbl Red wine vinegar
 * 2 tbl Dry white wine

Directions

 * 1) Wash beans and soak overnight (or about 10 hrs) in 10 cups water and 1 bell pepper which has been cut in half and seeded. It is not necessary to thow out the soaking water. Bring to a boil then lower to med-low and simmer uncovered. Meanwhile, add 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, the garlic and olive oil to a food processor or blender and process to the consistency of a thick milk shake. Stirfry this green puree in a large skillet. Bring puree to a boil then lower to simmer, stirring often for 20 minutes. Place 1 cup of drained beans from the pot into the skillet with the puree, mash them with a fork and blend in with the puree. (You can also add the cup of beans into the processor or blender and process for 15 seconds.) Simmer the puree with the mashed beans for another 2 minutes. Add entire contents of skillet to the pot of cooking black beans. Add the salt, black pepper, oregano, bay leaf and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Cook uncovered for 1 hour stirring often to prevent sticking. Now add the vinegar and white wine and cook for another 30 minutes. You may leave in or discard the bell pepper used in soaking. If you have the time, the beans come out better if not served immediately, but left to "sleep" overnight in the refridgerator. I can't wait myself, but the leftovers are fabulous. Re-heat in the microwave or simmer very slowly on the stovetop until ready. Stir often. Before serving add 1 tbs sugar and 2 tbs. olive oil and blend in. Serve over rice topped with finely chopped red or yellow onions. Watch this bulletin board as I am in the process of triple-checking the amounts in the ingredients section with other family members. But the above is how I cook them and they are very good. Let me know how they turn out!