Caraotas Negras (Black Beans)

Course :	Beans
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	6

Ingredients:

1 1/2	cups	black beans -- picked over
5	cups	cold water
2	tablespoons	lard or butter
2	cloves	garlic -- minced
3	bunches	fresh epazote sprigs
1	teaspoon	salt -- to taste
1	teaspoon	freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste

Preparation:

Soak black beans in enough cold water to cover by 3 inches overnight. Drain. Combine beans, water, lard, garlic and epazote in heavy large Dutch oven over high heat. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are very tender and creamy, about 2 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.