Maharagwe I

Ingredients

 * wo cups (about one pound) dry red beans or kidney beans, soaked in water overnight
 * one or two cups of coconut milk or whole milk
 * sugar to taste (two to four tablespoons)
 * a few cardamom seeds, or a quarter teaspoon ground cardamom
 * teaspoon salt
 * two onions, chopped (optional)
 * two tomatoes, chopped (optional)
 * one sweet green pepper, chopped (optional)
 * one or two cloves of garlic, crushed and chopped (optional)
 * one teaspoon mild curry powder (optional)
 * one small chile pepper, cleaned and chopped (optional even for savory beans)

Directions

 * 1) Rinse and drain soaked beans.
 * 2) Place beans in a large cooking pot and add fresh water to cover.
 * 3) Bring to a fast boil and cook for ten minutes.
 * 4) Reduce heat and simmer until beans are nearly tender.
 * 5) Add all remaining ingredients.
 * 6) Cover and cook until all is tender, stirring occasionally.