A hearty and flavorful black bean stew perfect for any occasion.
Rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water using a colander.
Rinsing removes any debris and reduces excess starch for a cleaner flavor.
Inspect the beans and discard any stones or damaged beans.
This ensures only the best beans make it into your dish.
Soak the beans in a large pot filled with water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Soaking reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
Drain the soaked beans and set them aside.
Draining removes the soaking water, which can contain unwanted compounds.
Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic finely.
Uniform chopping ensures even cooking and a balanced texture.
In a large pot, combine the beans, fresh water, chopped vegetables, and all the spices.
Adding spices at the beginning allows their flavors to infuse the beans.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.
Simmering gently prevents the beans from breaking apart.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Tomatoes add a fresh and tangy flavor to the stew.
Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew warm.
Removing the bay leaf prevents its flavor from becoming overpowering.
