Recipe - Black Bean Pesto

8 ounce Dried black beans
1 Water
1 Bay leaf
1 Ham hock
2 Jalapeno peppers, seeded
2 cl Garlic
Stems from 1 bunch of
cilantro (fresh coriander)
Salt and freshly ground
pepper (optional)

1. Rinse and drain the beans thoroughly. Place them in a large saucepan
or soup kettle, and add all the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil,
then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1One half hours. 2. Remove and
discard the ham hock and bay leaf. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the
bean mixture, in batches, to the bowl of a food processor. Process, adding
cooking liquid as necessary to form a smooth, thick paste. You will use a
total of about 1 cup liquid. 3. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in
the salt and pepper, if needed. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
This will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Makes 3 cups. Author's
note: These beans make a hot and spicy spread. Also use them in place of
the red bean paste in the Three Layer Mexican Dip, or serve them in fajitas
or on nachos. Black Bean Pesto can also be heated through and served as a
side dish, garnished with sour cream and cilantro. Source: The New Basics
Cookbook

From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini