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1
Soak beans in enough water to cover overnight.
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2
Empty Beans into colander and wash with cold water. Discard any split/broken beans or beans that look odd in color and/or size.
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3
Place beans in large pot with cold water (add enough cold water to cover beans by about 3 inches).
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4
Cook beans on high heat until they come up to a boil.
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5
Reduce heat to Medium and partially cover with lid. Cook beans for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until beans start to soften stirring occasionally, and adding water as needed (some water will evaporate during cooking). Remember to always have beans covered with at about 3 inches of water.
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6
Meanwhile, heat a saute pan on medium/low heat. Add olive oil, Sofrito (if using), or the substituted ingredients.
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7
Saute for 3 minutes, then add tomato paste, Goya sazon, Chicken bouillon cubes, oregano, cumin, black pepper and Olives. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat, set aside.
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8
After beans have cooked for about and hour, add the chopped Calabaza or potato (optional) and sofrito with the seasonings to the beans. Mix well, add more water if needed. Cook for additional 1/2 hour on medium heat partially covered, then 1/2 hour on medium heat uncovered stirring occasionally.
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9
When beans are done, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
