Moros y Cristianos

 (Black Beans and Rice) 

INGREDIENTS

1/2 pound black beans

5 cups water

1 bay leaf

1/2 Italian pepper (in one piece)

Olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 Italian pepper, diced

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 pound white rice

Salt to taste

2 garlic cloves, unpeeled and crushed

4 tablespoons olive oil

Vinegar to taste

PREPARATION

Soak beans in water overnight. Then bring beans, bay leaf, and the piece of Italian pepper to a full boil. Simmer until beans are soft. Strain and remove the pepper. Reserve the water (if necessary, add water to make 4 cups). In olive oil, sauté the onion, diced pepper, chopped garlic, and oregano until translucent. Add the uncooked rice to the beans and water and bring to a boil. Season with salt to taste. Reduce heat and cook covered until rice is soft. Sauté garlic in 4 tablespoons of olive oil until brown. Remove the garlic and add the oil to the rice and beans. Season with vinegar and let stand until cool.