1jalapeno pepperseeds and membranes removed and diced; can add more if desired
2bay leaf
2tbspcumin
1tspsaltplus more to taste
8cupsvegetable brothor chicken (use vegetable to keep vegetarian)
Instructions
Place black beans in a large stock pot and cover with at least two inches of water. Let soak overnight. Or, for a quick soak, bring stockpot to a boil, boil hard for one minute, then remove from heat, cover, and let soak for an hour.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Return them to the pot. Add in all the remaining ingredients.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the beans are tender. This will depend a lot on the age of your beans. Fresher beans will be ready in 45-60 minutes, older beans might take 2-3 hours. Your best bet is to start tasting around the 45 minute mark.
Taste for seasoning, adding more salt if necessary, then remove beans using slotted spoon. Eat immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.