To cook the beans without a pressure cooker, add the rinsed beans with enough water to cover them in a stock pot and let them soak overnight. When ready to cook, add 8 cups of water, ½ onion, ½ red bell pepper, and chorizo, if using. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the beans are soft. Stir occasionally and add water (1 cup at a time), if needed (beans may absorb water rather quickly), during the cooking process.
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