Congri Cubano

In a medium Dutch oven, combine the black beans, 2 of the bay leaves and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the beans are tender but not fully cooked (they will cook more with the rice), about 1 hour. Strain the beans, reserving 1 1/4 cups of the cooking liquid (black bean broth) for later use. Discard the bay leaves.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

To the pot with the bacon fat, add the onion, bell pepper, garlic and 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano and cumin. Cook until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the rice to the pot and stir over medium heat to toast the grains for 30 seconds. Stir the crispy bacon back into the pot, then add the remaining 2 bay leaves, cooked beans and 1 1/4 cups reserved black bean broth. Season with salt to taste, ensuring the liquid is well-seasoned. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover tightly and let simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt if necessary. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over the rice and serve.