Chili Bean Casserole

Method

• step 1

  Soak the beans in water and drain after some time. Wash them well under running water.

• step 2

  Boil in high flame in fresh water for 10 minutes.

• step 3

  Reduce heat and cook for 40 minutes, depending upon the freshness of the beans. It takes longer to cook older beans.

• step 4

  Drain the water off and preserve the liquid for being used later.

• step 5

  Place a pan on medium flame and add olive oil.

• step 6

  Add onions and garlic and fry them.

• step 7

  Add the cooked beans, chopped vegetables, basil, chili powder, cumin and cayenne powder. Cook for 5 minutes.

• step 8

  Next, put in the tomatoes, tomato paste, bulgur wheat and 1 pint of the preserved stock.

• step 9

  ring to a boil on a high flame. Reduce heat, cover the top and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

• step 10

  Add lemon juice, red wine, salt and pepper.

• step 11

  Add more stock if the consistency becomes too thick. Cook for a further 20 minutes.

• step 12

  Serve hot.