Stew Beans (Belize)

I used this recipe for week 27 of my food blog, "Travel by Stove." I am attempting to cook on meal from every nation on Earth, and Belize is my 27th stop. Please note that I never use any recipe for my blog that I'm not reasonably sure is from authentic or traditional sources, and this recipe has been posted without any alternations or additions to the ingredients.

• Ready In: 27 hrs
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  cups dried red kidney beans
•  water
• 1  large onion, diced
• 4 -6  garlic cloves, cut into large pieces
• 1 -2  bay leaf
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon whole cumin seed
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon  achiote paste (red recado)
• 1  teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1  tablespoon coconut oil

Directions

1. Soak the beans in water overnight.
2. The next afternoon, add some more water to the pot so that the water is about two inches above the beans (don't drain them). Put the pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for a few hours, checking every 20 minutes or so until the beans are about the same firmness as al dente pasta.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and all the spices except for the salt. Continue to cook until the beans have the same firmness as you'd find in canned beans.
4. Add the salt and the coconut oil.