Heat water and beans to boiling in 3-quart saucepan; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Cook and stir green pepper, onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender; stir into bean. Add enough water to cover beans if necessary. Heat to boiling and then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in bay leaf, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper.
Cover and simmer until beans are tender and most liquid is absorbed. They will cook approximately 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaf and serve over rice.
Servings: 4