Barbecue gets along with any bean cooked with a little onion and garlic, including black beans. Cuban Black Beans with a touch of sherry are especially well suited for Cuban Fingers (page 176) with Ultimate Cheater Pork Loin (page 80). Serve the beans over rice or add some water or broth and turn them into a soup dressed with fresh parsley, chopped onion, chopped hard-cooked egg, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

　　

Ingredients

makes 8 servings

　　1 pound dried black beans

　　2 tablespoons vegetable oil

　　1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

　　1 cup chopped celery, with leaves

　　4 garlic cloves, minced

　　1/4 cup dry sherry

　　Kosher salt

　　

Step 1

RINSE and soak the beans according to the package directions.

　　

Step 2

HEAT the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

　　

Step 3

DRAIN the beans and combine them with the vegetables and 6 cups of water in a medium or large slow cooker (at least 4 quarts). Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, and add water as necessary.

　　

Step 4

STIR in the sherry and season with salt to taste.

　　Cheater BBQ