How to Cook Black Beans (From Scratch!)

Ingredients (12)

• 1 pound (16 ounces or scant 2 1/2 cups) dried black beans*
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 4 medium cloves garlic, peeled but left whole
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• One strip of orange zest, about 2 inches long by 1/2 inch wide
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit or reduce if sensitive to spice)
• 8 cups water**, more if needed
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, optional
• 1 tablespoon lime juice