Frijoles Colombianos

Frijoles Colombianos is a traditional Colombian dish featuring red kidney beans simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables and spices. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Colombian cuisine, known for its rich, comforting taste and satisfying texture. It's a wonderful source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups red kidney beans
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the red kidney beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl of water.
2. Drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Add the vegetable broth or water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
4. In a separate skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the chopped tomato and diced carrot to the skillet, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the cumin, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the beans. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.