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 ==
# Check beans, look for stones, and discard any beans that are not whole.
# Rinse beans in cold water, drain, and place in a 5-quart pot.
# Soak overnight in 5 – 6 cups water if you have time.
# 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.
# 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.
# Brown the ham lightly in the olive oil.
# Add sofrito and stir.
# Now stir in the tomato paste and the rest of the ingredients.
# Once the flavors have blended and you have a nice consistency pour this mixture into the bean pot and stir.
# 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.
# 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.
# Add water as needed.
# Taste for salt and other herbs and spices.
# 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.
Category:Ham Recipes
Category:Oregano Recipes
Category:Puerto Rican Meat Dishes
Category:Recipes that need photos
Category:Red kidney bean Recipes
Category:Tomato paste Recipes
Category:Tomato sauce Recipes