Cuban Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Ingredients (17)

• 1 pound (450g) dried black beans, preferably turtle beans
• 2 small ham hocks, about 1 1/4 pounds (get smoked ones, if you can)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onions
• 1 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) white wine vinegar, plus more for white onions
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large white onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 (120ml) cup dark rum
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• Cooked long-grain white rice, for serving
• Diced white onions seasoned with salt, a touch of sugar, and splash of vinegar, for serving (optional)