Black Bean C hili 2

      Yield: 7 Servings

      4 c  black turtle beans,Dried

      1    cloves garlic --,Crushed

      2 t  cumin,Ground

  2 1/4 t  salt

      1    black pepper,To Taste

      2 t  basil,Dried

    1/2 t  oregano,Dried

      1    red pepper*,Crushed

      1 T  fresh lime juice

      1    green bell peppers**

      2 T  olive oil

    1/2 c  tomato puree

      1    4-oz cans green chiles,Diced

      1    red onion salsa recipe

  TOPPING  ========================

      1    cheese and sour cream,Grated

*or cayenne, to taste. **medium-sized, chopped.

1)Soak the beans in plenty of water for several hours  or overnight. Drain off the soaking water, and cook in fresh boiling water, partly covered, until tender (1 to 1 1/2 hours). Check the water level during cooking; add more as necessary. Transfer the cooked beans to a large kettle or saucepan. Include about 2 to 3 cups of their cooking water.

2)In a heavy skillet, saute garlic, seasonings, lime juice, and bell peppers in olive oil over medium-low heat until the peppers are tender (10 to 15 minutes).

3)Add the saute to the cooked beans, along with tomato puree and minced green chilies. Simmer, covered, over very low heat, stirring occasionally for about 45 minutes.