HOMEMADE RANCH STYLE BEANS

Steps:

• 1. Place dry beans in a large stock pot, and cover completely with water. FOR OVERNIGHT METHOD - Let beans soak in water overnight or until soft, and then drain beans in a colander. Or (FOR QUICK METHOD) - Bring water to a brisk, rolling boil. Remove pot from heat, cover pot, and let beans soak in hot water for 1 hour or until soft, and then drain in colander.
• 2. Cut chiles in half and remove seeds and stems. Heat chile halves in skillet for 1 to 2 minutes (to release flavor). Pour about 1 cup (or so) of boiling or very warm water over chiles and let stand 1 hour or until rehydrated and soft. Drain excess water.
• 3. Heat oil in a heavy-duty (or cast-iron) skillet. Add onion, garlic and rehydrated chile halves, and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until soft. Turn off heat, and stir tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper into the chile-onion mixture. Place the tomato mixture in a food processor, and pulse for about 15 to 20 seconds or until thoroughly pureed.
• 4. To a large stockpot, add beans, beef broth and Liquid Smoke (if using), and stir well. Bring the beans to a brisk boil over High heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat to Low and let beans simmer 1 hour, stirring frequently.
• 5. After simmering 1 hour, stir the pureed tomato mixture into the stockpot, and continue to cook 1 more hour, or until the chile gravy is reduced and thickened. Adjust seasonings, if needed. Serve warm as a side dish with any Tex-Mex meal or as an accompaniment spooned over grilled steaks, baked potatoes, steamed white rice, etc.