Crockpot Black Beans

Honestly once you try this recipe you will never want to go back to regular canned black beans. These beans are so flavorful they can stand on their own, but are absolutely delicious in recipes. Plus an extra bonus, dry beans are cheaper than canned beans. I imagine you could use any bean, black beans are just my favorite.

Crockpot Black Beans
                                                                          
adapted by creations by kara

2 cups dry black beans
2 1/2 - 3 cups of water
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp onion powder
2-3 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin

Wash the dried beans really well, with cold water (I've noticed the beans tend to split open if you don't use cold water) and pick out any rocks or beans that look funky. Pour them into a bowl and add cold water until it is at least 2 inches above the beans. Let soak overnight (or for 8 hours.)
Drain off the water and pour beans into a crock pot. Add 2 1/2 - 3 cups of water and the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.I don't prefer my beans to have extra "sauce" so I usually go with the minimum amount of water, but if you want the sauce use more water.