White Beans and Cilantro

2 cups dry white beans*
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
olive oil for saute
2 chopped tomatoes
4 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
salt & pepper
sour cream or yogurt (optional)

Sort and wash beans. Soak overnight (or do a quick soak by bringing the water to boil for 3 minutes and let stand for an hour). Dump out the water, and put in fresh. Simmer the beans until tender about 1 1/2 hour. Drain. Saute garlic in oil. Don not brown. Add tomatoes and saute a bit more to slightly cook the tomatoes. Combine with the beans; reheat a bit. Add cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. If you wish, add yogurt or sour cream.

*I have, when pressed for time, substituted a package of frozen black eye peas for the white beans. A great time saver.