Homemade pot o' black beans

Sunday I finally cooked up the bag of dried black beans I had. I used what I had available to compliment them. Last night we finally ate them and they were the best black beans I've made yet. This recipe makes enough to feed probably 6-8 people as a main dish so bring on that appetite.

Black bean pot
Ingredients:
16 oz. bag dried black beans
1 medium onion diced
3 small poblano chiles (or 2 large) seeded and chopped
3 slices thick bacon cut into 1 inch chunks
5 cloves of garlic peeled and cut in half lengthwise
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Soak beans in enough water to cover overnight. Drain and return to pot with 6 cups of water. Add bay leaves and garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover, leaving just a little gap with the lid for 1.5 hours.
In another pot or pan over medium heat, brown bacon until cooked but not crispy. Add onion and chiles and cook for approximately 4 minutes.Add veggies and bacon (not the grease though), along with the spices, to the pot of black beans. Salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering, uncovered another 30 minutes. Add more or drain water as you desire. We ate these last night in a big bowl with some leftover grilled corn and some brown rice. Talk about comfort food!