Cuban Black Beans

8 oz dried black beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (2 oz) jar diced pimentos (with liquid is okay)
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
lots black pepper
salt, after beans are tender


1. Soak picked-through beans overnight, or boil for 10 minutes; change water and let sit for another hour to reconstitute.
2. Drain again.
3. In a large saucepan, saute onion, bell pepper and garlic until tender.
4. Into this, gently stir beans, water, tomato paste, pimentos, vinegar, sugar and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
6. Cover and simmer about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
7. After beans are tender, season to taste with salt.