Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)

Ingredients

• 2 pounds black beans
• 20 cups water
• 1 cup plus 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, mashed or chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 8 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper, optional
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 4 tablespoons vinegar

Directions

Wash the beans and soak overnight in the water. When the beans swell, cook in the same water until soft, about 45 minutes. Heat 1 cup oil in a frying pan, add onions, garlic and green peppers. Add 1 cup of the beans to the pan and mash. Add this to the beans together with the salt, pepper, if using, oregano, bay leaves and sugar. Allow to boil for a 1 hour then add the wine and vinegar allowing to cook uncovered for a while. Add the 4 remaining tablespoons olive oil just before serving.