Cuban Black Bean and Monterey Jack Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black beans, picked over for rocks, covered
• completely with water and soaked overnight
• 1/2 gallon water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp fresh minced garlic
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white rice
• dash salt
• 2 Tbs vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper (sweet), diced
• 1 cup red bell pepper (sweet), diced
• 2 tsp fresh minced garlic
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp salt or more to taste
• 2 dashes coarse black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup blanched, slivered almonds
• 4 cups, about 1 lb, grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

Drain soaking water from beans, rinse thoroughly, and put in a heavy bottomed soup pot with 1/2 gallons of water. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam that forms on the top, and then add salt, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and garlic. Cook, covered for about 2 hours or until beans are soft and the liquid is thick. Check and stir often.

Bring 1 1/4 cup water to boil in a small saucepan. Add rice and dash of salt, cover, and lower heat. Cook until rice is soft and all the
water is absorbed. Set aside. Heat 2 Tbs. Oil in large saute pan.

Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Saute until peppers and onions are soft. When beans are done, and the cooked rice, sauteed onion and
pepper mixture, wine, broth, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, cumin, raisins, and almonds. Stir well to thoroughly blend and cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Correct salt if necessary.

Butter a deep 10 x 13 inch casserole dish and cover bottom and sides with the grated cheese, reserving 3/4 cup for the top. Fill with the
bean mixture. Sprinkle reserved cheese and bread crumbs on top. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until top is crusty and beans are bubbling. Serves approximately 6-8 people.

Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: Jean and Emma, Pen Pal Forum, www.wwrecipes.com
Submitted By: Teresa Johnson
techgoddess@worldnet.att.net
Cuban Black Bean and Monterey Jack Casserole