Spicy Black Beans

3/4 lb. dried black beans
4 cups water
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
11/4 cups chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 vegetable bouillon cube
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. hot sauce (or to taste)
1 Tbsp. sugar
3 cups cooked rice

• Sort and wash the beans. Pour the beans and 2 cups (400 ml) of water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, remove from the heat and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the beans and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until hot. Sauté the onions and garlic until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add the beans, remaining water, bay leaves, bouillon cube, oregano, hot sauce and sugar. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
• Remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve over rice.

Makes 6 to 8 servings