Black Bean Chili

Preparation

1. Heat the oil in a large wide skillet or sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the garlic and fry until it starts to turn light gold in color, about 30 seconds – 1 minute.
2. Add the cumin seeds and fry until they darken and start to give off their aroma, about 1 minute. Take care not to let the seeds burn.
3. Add the onion, poblano pepper, and the bay leaf. Cook stirring until the vegetables start to soften and the onion is transparent and turning golden. Add the chipotle pepper paste. Cook stirring for about 30 seconds.
4. Add the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes start to change to an orangey red color.  Add the beans and ½ cup stock, stirring to mix. Lay the cilantro stems on top of the beans and cover. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until you are ready for them. Check from time to time and add more stock or broth if the beans look dry.
5. Remove the bay leaf and cilantro stems. Stir in the lime juice and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with the remaining cilantro and grated cheese as a garnish.

Ann's Tips and Tricks

Instead of mincing the garlic, you can put it through a garlic press.

If you like your food less spicy, only add ½ a chipotle pepper and be sure to scrape away the seeds. Dark green poblano peppers are mildly spicy. If you can’t find any near you, use a small green pepper and a jalapeno (with all the seeds scraped out).