Ingredients

　　1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and picked over

　　2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) water

　　1 cup diced cooked ham (not sugar-cured)

　　1 large yellow onion, chopped

　　1 stalk celery, sliced

　　2 bay leaves

　　1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

　　Diced onions and tomatoes, to garnish (optional)

　　Homemade salsa (page 324), to garnish (optional)

　　Combine the beans, water, ham, onion, celery, and bay leaves in a Dutch oven. Bring to a very low boil over medium heat and cook for 1 hour, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and more water if needed. Cover and maintain a simmer until the beans are slightly tender, 15 to 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkling of diced onions and tomatoes, if desired, or with homemade salsa.

　　Cooks' Note

　　A high-fiber, high-protein carbohydrate. Black beans are ideal for someone attempting to lose weight because the beans are both filling and low-glycemic.

　　Sugar Busters! Quick & Easy Cookbook