Ingredients

For the sofrito:

1 green bell pepper, seeded, roughly chopped

1 red bell pepper, seed, seeded, roughly chopped

1 large tomato, seeded, roughly chopped

1 medium onion, peeled, roughly chopped

4 large cloves of garlic, peeled

1 cup cilantro leaves

1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves

For the beans:

2 cups dried black beans

3/4 cup sofrito

1/2 cup chopped canned tomato

3/4 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp Mexican oregano

1/4 tsp mild red pepper flakes

1 small onion, diced

1 large garlic clove, peeled and smashed

Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Preparation

Place all of the sofrito ingredients in a food processor or blender, and chop finely (do not pureé).

In a 3-quart slow cooker, combine the beans, 3/4 cup of the sofrito, tomato, cumin, Mexican oregano, red pepper flakes, onion and garlic. Add 4 cups of water, and stir.

Cook on LOW for 7 hours, until the beans are soft but still hold their shape. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Stir in the fresh cilantro, and serve hot, over rice.