Cuban Black Beans with Pork

Rinse beans. In a 4 qt saucepan combine beans and 48 fl oz of the water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. (Or, omit simmering; soak beans in 48 fl oz cold water in a covered 4 qt saucepan for 6-8 hours or overnight.) Drain beans and rinse. (If using red kidney beans, boil 10 minutes in water to cover, then drain again.)

In the same pan combine beans and remaining 2 qt fresh water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours, or 'til beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, in a deep 12 in. frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Brown half the pork in hot oil on all sides; remove from pan with a slotted spoon. Brown the other half of the pork, adding more oil if necessary. In the same pan cook onion, pepper, and garlic for 3 minutes. Drain off excess oil. Return pork to pan. Add the 12 fl oz water, the salt, cumin, crushed dried chilies, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or till meat is very tender.

Drain beans and mash slightly; stir into pork mixture. Cook about 5 minutes more, or till slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.