Olitha's Cowboy Beans

well, I cook like I paint ; impulsively and creatively, so i always utilize what i have in my cupboard or fridge, so say you have cactus and no green peppers, just substitute! Alrighty then, on to the recipe:

Olitha's Cowboy Beans (from Scratch)

1-3 bags of a variety of DRIED BEANS- ( depending on the size of your Bean Pot and how much you want to make)
Tomato Sauce- 1 large Can + 2 small cans ( Tomato paste, ketchup or Spaghetti sauce can be added or substituted)
1 can Tomato Chunks
Brown Sugar- up to 1 cup
Spices- Salt and pepper,Garlic Powder, Adobo Powder, Cumin,(Chile powder + Paprika may also be used)
Extras- These can be added to the "Last Stage" of cooking and these are just Onions, green or any color Pepper, celery, or any veggie that you can dice and saute into your beans. Also Ketchup or BBQ Sauce can be added.
First off, if your bag of beans are FRESH you really do not need to worry about "Bad Beans" but I have opened bags that just plain look bad, like all "Moldy" kinda Dark and Mottled looking, do not even waste you time, toss the entire bag and move on! I use half a bag from 3 different types of beans, this gives them a nice mixed color to your bean pot. Pour 1/2 of ea. bag of beans into a colander and rinse to clean. Now pour your clean beans into the biggest pot you have and fill that 3/4's full with cold water, put on high and bring to boil, after they have boiled vigorously for about 20 mins. turn down til you can achieve a slow and steady roll, aka: a "low boil".Cover and let this slow simmer, this part takes about 4hrs to complete, cover your bean pot but give 'em stir occasionally.Now half way through this 4hr boil you can change the water out if you think its gotten too "Muddy" looking and just bring it back to a boil and then "low Boil" again for the remainder of the time. After 4hrs (Check for tenderness at 3hrs.)And your beans are Done ie: TENDER( very important that they be cooked completely at this stage, because they will not cook any more no matter how long you let them simmer on your stove top)Drain off most of the water from your cooked beans BUT not all, save some, like half covering the beans on the bottom of pot.Put beans and remaining liquid into a large bowl and set aside for now. NOW for the scrumptious sauce! 1st saute (using your bean pot)any Veggies that you want in your beans, once they are done pour in your tomato sauces and 1 can of Tomato chunks, stirring as you go, sprinkle a handful of Brown Sugar into the pot, stir and TASTE, Does it have a slightly sweet taste? If so, add your spices, if not, sprinkle on more sugar. Add your spices sparingly especially the CUMIN and any other HOT spices you may add. stir and taste use your judgment as to what you think it "Needs"; more "Tang"? add some BBQ sauce etc.Bring this Sauce up to a boil, add your beans & Liquid from your bowl bring up to a quick boil and turn down for a a low simmer, now at this point your "Cowboy" Beans are technically done, but I suggest you let cook for at least an hour and check the taste to see if another ingredient is warranted.At this point they can be on LOW all day and just taste better at the end of the day. You can Add Fried Hot dogs or Cooked Bacon to this if you like. These beans are Hearty, Healthy and absolutely Delicious! My Guys love 'em! You can cook some spaghetti or macaroni and serve the beans on top with some shredded cheddar and sour cream and you have a savory comforting meal! Enjoy , Olitha ( Only Lady in the House- assholes !) LOL!