Cooks' Note
A high-fiber, high-protein carbohydrate. Black beans are ideal for someone attempting to lose weight because the beans are both filling and low-glycemic.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 8 to 10
Ingredients
1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and picked over
2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) water
1 cup diced cooked ham (not sugar-cured)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, sliced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Diced onions and tomatoes, to garnish (optional)
Homemade salsa (page 324), to garnish (optional)
Preparation
Combine the beans, water, ham, onion, celery, and bay leaves in a Dutch oven. Bring to a very low boil over medium heat and cook for 1 hour, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and more water if needed. Cover and maintain a simmer until the beans are slightly tender, 15 to 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkling of diced onions and tomatoes, if desired, or with homemade salsa.
