Instructions: PREPARE BEANS: Soak the beans for at least two hours (overnight is okay too). Change the water and bring to a boil. Add the onion, pepper and garlic; cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Add the tomato sauce, olive oil and salt: cover and simmer 1 more hour.

(Be sure to keep the beans covered with liquid, adding more water if necessary.)

PREPARE RICE: Bring the water to a boil. Add the rice and salt. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.

NOTES:
* Beans like they cook in many Caribbean countries -

my mother, who undoubtedly got it from one of my fathers relatives. Ive seen it described as being from various countries, but it will always be Puerto Rican beans to me.

Any dried beans can be used, but kidney beans and navy beans are the best.

Chick peas arent bad either. You can use a ham bone for flavoring instead of the olive oil if you dont mind using ham.

Yield: Serves 4.

* This makes a very good main course or side dish.

Difficulty: easy.

Time: 2 hours soaking, 5 minutes dicing, 2 hours cooking.

Precision: the rice is the only part you need to measure.

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