*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                        Layered Black Bean Salad

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :11:00
Categories    : Vegetarian                       Crockpot

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                       BEAN MIXTURE
  1      cup           dried black beans
  4      cups          water
    1/2  cup           green bell pepper -- chopped
    1/2  cup           red bell pepper -- chopped
    1/2  cup           yellow bell pepper -- chopped
    1/2  cup           onion -- chopped
  1      dash          red pepper flakes
                       DRESSING
  1      cup           balsamic red wine vinegar
    3/4  cup           olive oil
  3      cloves        garlic -- peeled
  1      tablespoon    sugar
                       salt and pepper -- to taste
                       SALAD INGREDIENTS
                       Sour cream, low fat if available
                       bottled salsa
                       chopped lettuce
                       chopped green onions
                       chopped parsley for garnish



                          BEAN MIXTURE

Rinse dried beans and place in the slow cooker.  Cover with water; set
cooker on low and cook for 8 to 9 hours.  Remove beans from cooker;
discard water and rinse beans.  Allow to cool.  Mix beans with peppers,
onions and pepper flakes; set aside.

                        DRESSING

Mix vinegar, olive oil, whole garlic cloves, sugar and salt in a saucepan.
Simmer for 10 minutes.  Cool and strain.  Pour cooled dressing over bean
mixture and allow flavors to blend for at least 2 hours or overnight, if
time permits.


                         SALAD INGREDIENTS

Because size of the bowl determins quantity of salad ingredients, exact
measurements cannot be determined.  Place half of bean mixture in bottom
of bowl.  Spread a thin layer of sour cream over beans and then a thin
layer of salsa.  Follow with a 1 inch
t







                  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : A colorful, unique salad, this goes well with corn chips or a
      crusty bread.