Black Beans

In order to make beans it's important to have a pressure cooker, and I am not talking about the really big canning ones. medium or small works best.

I put in the pressure cooker about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of beans 2 -3 bay leaves and about 1 inch above half the pot of water if it's a small pot, half if it's medium size. Close the pressure cooker, and cook in medium high. when the pot is filled with pressure, (it starts to make a shush sound) cook for another 35 minutes. Turn it off and while it's depressurizing make the seasoning. In a small frying pan put some oil, minced garlic and onions, salt a little pepper, I like to add one of those seasonings that are complete, if I do that I omit the salt until afterwards so I can see how much is needed. You can also add some sweet banana pepper, or smoked sausage, even bacon. Saute it all together and add to beans once the pot is ready to be opened. Mix it and simmer for about 15 minutes.

*DO NOT ADD SALT BEFORE THE BEANS ARE COOKED. The beans will NOT soften if there is salt in there.
*If there is too much water once the pot is opened drain it a little before seasonings are added to it. Remember that you DO want some water still left in it. If there is not enough water you can add a little.
*If the beans are still hard let it cook a little longer next time.

SHOPPING LIST.

Black Beans
Bay Leaves
Garlic
Onion

(Optional)
Banana Pepper
Smoked Sausage or Bacon