Black BeansA Dieters Delight.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and picked over
- 2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) water
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (not sugar-cured)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Diced onions and tomatoes, to garnish (optional)
- Homemade salsa (page 324), to garnish (optional)

Directions:
- Combine the beans, water, ham, onion, celery, and bay leaves in a Dutch oven.
- Bring to a very low boil over medium heat and cook for 1 hour, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and more water if needed.
- Cover and maintain a simmer until the beans are slightly tender, 15 to 30 minutes.
- Serve with a sprinkling of diced onions and tomatoes, if desired, or with homemade salsa.