Dominican Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

28 -30 ounces canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups water
2 ounces fresh cilantro
1 large onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 sweet pepper (italian frying pepper-halved lengthwise, stem and seeds discarded)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Puree half of beans in a food processor or blender with 1 cup water until smooth.
Tie cilantro into a tight bundle with string.
Cook onion and garlic in olive oil in a 5-6 quart pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened but not browned, about 8 minutes.
Add tomato paste, vinegar, and 1 cup water, then bring to a boil and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
Add pureed and whole beans, Italian frying pepper halves, cilantro, bay leaves, salt, oregano, pepper and remaining 2 cups water, then simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 1 1/2 hours (mixture will reduce and thicken).
Remove and discard Italian pepper halves, cilantro, and bay leaves, then serve.