Spicy Black Beans

We're continuing our Cinco de Mayo celebration with some spicy black beans this week!  These beans pack a punch, so proceed with caution, but they are worth every fiery bite!  Serve them alongside your favorite Mexican dishes, use them as a taco or burrito topping, or even add them to a fiesta soup to add tons of flavor.  Beans are versatile, so play around with the spice blend and pepper choices according to your tastes!

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon ground corriander

1 bay leaf

2 14-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 cup water

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and bell pepper.  Saute until translucent.  Stir in the spices and bay leaf and cook 2-3 minutes more.  Add the beans, tomatoes, salt and pepper, and water.  Bring to a low boil.  Reduce heat to simmer and cook 30 minutes.

Serves 6-8.

Recipe adapted from The Comfort Table, by Katie Lee.