HABICHUELAS

Preparation

Wash the beans and soak in 2 quarts of water already mixed with the white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let the beans soak overnight. Rinse the beans and place in a pan with 1 quart of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until the beans have softened. Discard water used to soften the beans. Set aside.

Peel and dice the potato into 1/4" size pieces. Set aside.

Dice the smoked ham into 1/4" size pieces. Set aside.

Dice the green bell pepper into 1/8" pieces. Set aside.

In a pan add the sofrito, 1 teaspoon of salt, tomato sauce, olives, smoked ham, potato, green bell pepper, bay leaves, olive oil, and 2 cups of water. Cook at moderate heat until it starts boiling.

Lower to moderate low heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir once while simmering.

Add the beans. Continue to simmer at moderate low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the beans are fully cooked. Stir every 15 minutes.