CUBAN BLACK BEANS

1 pound dry black beans, picked over and rinsed
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons honey
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 smoked ham hocks

In a kettle combine the beans with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil; boil the beans for 2 minutes. Let the beans stand, covered, for 1 hour.

Drain the beans, return them to the kettle, and add 4 cups water. Bring the water to a boil and boil the beans for 5 minutes.

Add 4 cups water, the onion, garlic, honey, bell pepper and ham hock. Cover and simmer for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Uncover and simmer the beans, stirring occasionally for 1 hour.

Serve the beans over rice with avocado, onion and, if desired, the meat from the ham hock, chopped.

Servings: 8
Source: Gourmet Magazine