Lawry's black beans

 
                            Lawry's Black Beans
 
 Recipe By     : Lawry's Foods via LA Times
 Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Beans and Legumes                California
                 Side Dishes
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    1      pound         black beans -- uncooked
   10      slices        bacon -- julienned
    1      medium        sweet red pepper -- diced
    1      medium        green pepper -- diced
    1      medium        yellow pepper -- diced
    1      medium        onion -- chopped
    2      cloves        garlic -- minced
    2      sprigs        fresh cilantro -- minced
    1      tablespoon    ground cumin
    1      teaspoon      cayenne pepper
    2      quarts        chicken stock
                         salt and pepper -- to taste
    1      cup           Lawry's Italian dressing
 
 The day before preparing recipe, soak the black beans in cold water in the 
 refrigerator overnight.  Use an over-sized container to allow for expansion.
 
 Drain the beans.  Wash thoroughly in cold water to rinse away any coloration 
 to the water.  Place beans in fresh water to cover in a kettle.  Cook until 
 the beans are al dente or slightly firm.  Pour into a colander and discard 
 water.  Rinse again in cold water to prevent any further cooking.
 
 Meanwhile, saute the bacon until half cooked.  Drain off the fat.  Continue 
 cooking the bacon, then add diced peppers, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin and 
 cayenne pepper.  Saute until peppers are tender-crisp.  Add to precooked black
 beans in kettle.  Gradually add chicken stock and continue cooking until most 
 of the cooking liquid is absorbed, leaving a moist, but not dry bean mixture.
 
 Season to taste with the salt and pepper.  Add the Italian dressing and stir 
 well.  Chill.  Stir well before serving.  Makes 6 servings.
 
                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 
 NOTES : Although it is no more, Lawry's California Center in Los Angeles 
 served these wonderful black beans as a side dish.  They make a great 
 accompaniment to tacos al carbon or almost any grilled meat or poultry.