Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:
4 cups dried black beans
1-¼ gallons water
2 pound sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 medium diced red pepper
1 medium diced large red onion
2 cups cleaned okra (fresh or frozen)
1 head medium diced garlic
2 medium diced tomatoes
1 bunch chopped scallions
½ bunch chopped basil
½ bunch chopped cilantro
1 Tablespoon ground cumin (heat cumin seeds to bring out essential oils and then grind in coffee grinder)
fresh black pepper

Method:
Soak beans overnight in water. The beans will double in volume. Discard water and fill with new water to same level. Add onion, garlic and cumin. Simmer beans for one hour or until liquid is mostly absorbed and beans are semi-soft. If all liquid evaporates before beans are cooked add water (at least ½ inch above beans.) Add red pepper, okra and tomatoes and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Finally, add sliced chicken, scallions, basil and cilantro. Pull off heat and let chicken braise in the stew without any heat for approximately 10 minutes. Serve when chicken is cooked and tender. Steamed rice is a wonderful accompaniment and also creates a complete protein meal. Now relax and indulge.

Nutritional Value Per Portion —
Calories: 551 Protein: 57g Carbohydrates: 80g Fat: 4.5g