Cassava Leaves and Beans

Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs of white beans
• cassava greens (feuilles de manioc), stems removed, cleaned, and cut or torn into pieces
• 2-3 cups of palm oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 sweet green pepper (optional)
• salt, or baking soda, to taste

Procedures

1. Soak the beans overnight in cold water.
2. Drain, rinse, and drain again.
3. Cover the beans with cold water.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
6. Remove beans from heat and set aside.
7. While beans are simmering: heat half of the oil in a skillet and fry the onions and green pepper for a few minutes.
8. Add this mixture to the beans.
9. Rinse cassava leaves in hot water and crush them with a mortar and pestle.
10. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil.
11. Add greens, onion, and remaining oil.
12. Boil for a few minutes, then reduce heat and cook for about an hour until greens are tender, stirring occasionally.
13. When beans and greens are tender: combine greens and beans in the largest pot.
14. Add salt to taste.
15. Simmer over low heat for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.