Habichuelas Negras

Description
Black beans

Ingredients

 * 1 1 lb package red kidney beans
 * 3 tbsp tomato paste (this is optional. you may use one can of tomato sauce instead.)
 * 3 tbsp olive oil
 * 4 tbsp salt
 * 1 tsp black pepper
 * 2 tbsp oregano
 * ¼ lb of cooking ham (ham steak) cut into small squares. (ham adds a nice flavor but is also optional.)
 * ¼ cup sofrito

Directions

 * 1) Check beans, look for stones, and discard any beans that are not whole.
 * 2) Rinse beans in cold water, drain, and place in a 5-quart pot.
 * 3) Soak overnight in 5 – 6 cups water if you have time.
 * 4) However, if you would like to make them the same day, bring the beans to a boil in four cups of water, turn off the burner and let stand for an hour.
 * 5) If you are using the beans that have soaked overnight, drain, add four cups of water, bring to a boil, lower heat and let simmer.
 * 6) Brown the ham lightly in the olive oil.
 * 7) Add sofrito and stir.
 * 8) Now stir in the tomato paste and the rest of the ingredients.
 * 9) Once the flavors have blended and you have a nice consistency pour this mixture into the bean pot and stir.
 * 10) Place the frying pan back on the stove and deglaze the pan with ½ cup of the broth from the bean pot and then return this mixture to the bean pot.
 * 11) Let beans simmer for about 30 minutes at medium heat and reduce heat to a low simmer for about 1½ hours stirring now and then.
 * 12) Add water as needed.
 * 13) Taste for salt and other herbs and spices.
 * 14) You will know that the beans are ready when you can press them with a fork and they are soft to the touch, however, you don't want them too soft. The sauce should be fairly thick.