In honor of WinoSteph — I am posting my version of Frijoles Negros...

Cuban Style Black Beans>>

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Ingredients:>>

• 16 ounces (1 pound) black beans, sifted
• 1 ½ medium sized onions, sliced
• 1 head of garlic, peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons  dried epozote (central American spice – if you can't find it, use 1 tablespoon dried oregano)
• 2 tablespoons lard
• Optional: smoked ham hock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 4 cups water

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Directions:>>

1. Soak beans overnight (or for about 12 hours) in enough water to come up 2 inches above the beans.
2. Strain and rinse the beans well
3. In a large, enamel-coated cast iron pot, sweat the onions in the lard.
4. When the onions begin to release their liquid, add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add beans, garlic (whole) spices, ham hock and liquid
6. Bring up to boil, then reduce down to low heat.
7. Cook for several (I cook them for up to 12 hrs)hours, until the beans become thick and the ham breaks apart.