Scented with sherry, this simple and flavorful bean dish features onions, green pepper, garlic, cumin and tomatoes with a kick of heat from red chili flakes.
Serves 6
3 to 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
6 plump cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons whole cumin seeds
1 cup tomato puree
½ cup dry sherry
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 bay leaf
1 ½ teaspoons fresh chopped oregano or ½ teaspoon dried
¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes or to taste
3 cups cooked red kidney beans or two 16-ounce cans, rinsed and drained
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
¼ freshly chopped parsley
½ cup coarsely crumbled feta cheese
- Heat the olive oil in a large stewpot over low heat until it is fragrant. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook about 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the cumin and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato puree, sherry, vinegar, bay leaf, oregano, chili flakes and simmer about 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Add the beans to the pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and feta before serving.
Serve with any of the following:
starch: rice or bread, such as Anna’s Crusty French Loaf or Onion Flat Bread
salad: Arugula Salad or Mescalun salad