Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black beans, washed and picked over
  • 6 cups chicken stock, approximately
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup minced yellow onion
  • 1 plum tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 cup minced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 18 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 pound baked ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • Salt to taste
  • Sour cream and cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Method

  • Soak the beans overnight in cold water.
  • Drain.
  • Place the beans in a large, heavy pot, cover with water and simmer for four hours, adding some stock to cover the beans as the liquid is reduced.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Saute the onion until golden, then add the remaining ingredients except the ham, salt and garnishes.
  • Simmer for three minutes, stirring.
  • Stir the ham and the contents of the skillet into the beans.
  • Simmer, covered, for two hours, stirring and adding more stock to cover the beans as necessary.
  • Season with salt and serve with sour cream and sprigs of cilantro