Step 1

Place the beans, water, 4 large pieces of onion, 2 garlic cloves, salt and bay leaves in a heavy-bottomed pan. (You may wish to soak your beans for an hour or overnight before cooking.)

Step 2

Simmer over medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. (This will go faster if you soak your beans before hand.)

Step 3

In a small sauté pan, heat the oil and cook the onions and green pepper for 3 minutes, then add them to the beans.

Step 4

Add the wine, chicken bouillon, salt, tomato paste, oregano, cumin and pepper to the beans and simmer over medium low heat for another 30 minutes.

Step 5

Add the garlic and brown sugar and simmer for another 15 minutes.