Puerto Rican Red Beans

Big and bold flavors and combination of beans, bacon, spices and potatoes.  
A different way to enjoy beans without the regular sweetness.  These would be great as a side dish for smoked pulled pork, grilled meats, or even as a main dish!
   

Serves 10-12 (freezes well)
Ingredients

1 cup chopped bacon, thick cut, if possible
1 Bay leaf

1 Bell pepper, medium, chopped

1/4 cup Cilantro, Fresh

2 tsp Garlic, chopped

1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 Onion, medium, chopped

1 Potatoes, large "waxy", chopped in large cubes

6 cups Broth, or water

4 Tbsp Tomato paste

1/4-1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper

1 tsp Paprika, smoked

1 tsp Cumin

3 cups dried small red beans or 15oz. cans rinse and drained
3 Tbsp of mild hot sauce, like Green tabasco or Frank's Red Hot

Chop all the veggies and all ingredients to a crockpot. Give it a stir to combine well.  Cook at 8-10 hours on Low for dried beans until they are tender.  Or, about 3-4 hours with canned beans (until potato is tender).  Add salt and pepper to taste.

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