Cuban Style Black Beans with Smoked Turkey

This bowl of goodness is a great meal for a slow simmer on a Sunday.

Cuban style black beans are easy and inexpensive to make at home - I use a smoked turkey drumstick that are readily available at most supermarkets and even Walmart. Please try them! Your entire family will love the flavors.

• 1 large spanish onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, peeled and cut into fine dice
• 1 medium jalapeño, cut in half
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 smoked turkey drumstick (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, (only a small amount, but an important flavor)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Salsa, sour cream cilantro and lime wedges

• Saute the onion, pepper, jalapeño and garlic in olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, 5 to 8 minutes, until softened and slightly browned.
• Add the beans, turkey drumstick, oregano, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 8 cups water.
• Cover, lower heat, and simmer 5 to 6 hours - until beans are very tender and liquid has thickened naturally.
• Remove the drumstick and shred the meat.
• Remove about 2 cups beans from the pot and blend until smooth (or partially blend with an immersion blender).
• Return the beans and turkey meat to the soup. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle the beans into bowls - try your black beans with salsa, cilantro, a bit of sour cream and squeeze of fresh lime.