Black Beans

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or 1-1/2 cups cooked dry-packaged black beans rinsed, drained
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
  
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Saute onion, bell pepper garlic, cumin, thyme, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf in olive oil until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir in black beans, water or chicken broth,vinegar, salt , and pepper.

Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for cooking black beans.