Black Bean Salad
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Salads
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 1
 

Ingredients:

---For the beans
1 pound dried black beans
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fennel seed
2 cloves garlic -- peeled
1 piece bay leaf
---For the dressing
2/3 cup red onion -- chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper -- chopped
2 tablespoons parsley -- chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro -- chopped
2 tablespoons scallion -- chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
10 tablespoons lime juice -- (about 5 limes)
1 teaspoon salt and pepper -- to taste
 

Preparation:

This dish is Mexican/Southwestern in concept. It's a bit like a salad of greens, where black beans substitute for the lettuce and the rather large dose of lime juice makes it surprisingly refreshing. It travels well and is better the day after it's made: a good accompaniment to hot or cold grilled meat. You can also add cold grilled meat directly to the salad and turn it into an entree. Sort the beans carefully, discarding any small pebbles that may be mixed in. Soak the beans in cold water to cover for 5 hours, then drain and rinse them well. Put the beans in a saucepan and add enough water to come about 1 1/2 inches above them. Add the thyme, salt, fennel seed, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain them again. In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and mix well. Add the beans, toss, and serve. This salad keeps for 4 to 5 days covered and refrigerate