Recipe for Magic Beans (cheap and good!)

My brother Warren (http://wdpotteryvt.com/) gave me this recipe for what I like to call "Magic Beans." They're magic because I didn't really like to eat beans before I had them this way. Now I love them. They're a great way to add protein and flavor to your diet - and they're super cheap to make. I like to freeze them in old quart-sized yogurt containers...Frugality never tasted so good!******************************Magic BeansServes: Lots.Soak 2 lbs black beans overnight. (I buy organic beans in a 25 lb bulk bag and store them in a cool, dry container.)Add plenty of extra water - they'll soak up a lot!Next day, pour out the old water and add new water so that beans are just covered. Simmer slowly for 3-4 hours (I like 4). You might need to add more water during the simmer.1 hour before done: Add 6-8 cloves garlic minced, 2-3 onions chopped, 1-2 diced carrots (parsnips can be added as well). Possibly a little fresh ginger (1-2T).20 mins prior to finish:1-2 tsp garlic powder if no fresh garlic1-2 tsp onion powder1/2 tsp cayenne pepper2 tsp cumin (or more)1/2 tsp cinnamon1 tsp ginger1 tsp curry (or more)1 tsp turmeric1 tsp paprika(You can buy all of these spices in bulk as well, to reduce garbage and save money)Salt to taste, roughly 2 Tbsp of sea salt or equivalent bouillon cubes.Use for taco salad, tacos, eat plain or with cheese on top, whatever you like! They act like re-fried beans. I often lay down a layer of beans, top with cheddar cheese, and then sprinkle on whatever else I have around: fresh diced onions, tomatoes, olives, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, etc. If I have lettuce around I just pile a salad on top. And a bunch of tortilla chips on the side. The extra toppings add more cost, so just use what's handy and keep it cheap!