Barn-raising Beans

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 lb kidney bean, dried
• 6 slices bacon, chopped (1/2 in pieces)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
• 1/4 cup butter (or margarine)
• 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 whole cloves
• 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 4 cups water

Recipe

• 1 in large bowl place beans and cover with water, soak for 1 hour.
• 2 meanwhile in a 3qt saucepan cook bacon over med heat until bacon is browned.
• 3 reduce heat to med and add remaining ingredients (except 4 cups water and beans).
• 4 cook stirring occasionally until onions are crispy tender.
• 5 drain beans, add to vegetable mixture.
• 6 add 4 cups water, cook over high heat until mixture comes to a full boil.
• 7 reduce heat to med, cover, cook stirring occasionally until beans are fork tender (1 1/2 to 2 hours).
• 8 remove bay leaves and cloves before serving.