SOAK 2 CUPS OF DRIED BLACK BEANS OVERNIGHT - DRAIN, AND COOK IN ABOUT 8 CUPS OF WATER.
IN A LARGE SKILLET: SAUTE ONE LARGE ONION (CHOPPED); ADD 2 LARGE RIBS OF CELERY (DICED) - COOK BOTH UNTIL SOFT. ONCE SOFT, ADD IN 1 RED BELL PEPPER - CHOPPED OF COURSE; COOK 5 MORE MINUTES.
ADD TO THE SAUTED VEGETABLES:
1 TABLESPOON OF MINCED OREGANO;
1 TABLESPOON CHILI POWDER,
1 TABLESPOON GROUND CUMIN, 1/2 TEASPOON OF CAYENNE PEPPER,
1/2 TEASPOON OF CRUSHED CORIANDER SEEDS,
1.5 TEASPOONS OF SALT
AND SQUEEZE IN THE JUICE OF ONE LEMON (OR 2 TABLESPOONS LEMON JUICE FROM THE BOTTLE).
NOW COMES THE SURPRISE INGREDIENT: WHEN ALL OF THIS IS INTEGRATED, TURN HEAT DOWN TO LOW - ADD IN ONE OUNCE OF UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE!
ONCE THE BEANS HAVE COOKED, STIR IN ALL OF THE VEGETABLE MIXTURE.
SERVE THIS OVER SPAGHETTI - YEP, OVER SPAGHETTI.
IT ALSO MAKES A GREAT TOPPING FOR HOT DOGS;
ADDING 12 OUNCES OF VEGETABLE JUICE, AND 12 OUNCES OF TOMATO SAUCE, TURNS IT INTO A NICE 'CHILI' OF A VERY DIFFERENT KIND!
Notice 'Dexter-Dog"? This is a great photo' my daughter took of her 12-year old dog on 3/8/08. I think Dexter will show up her more, now that we're talking food.
