Ham & Black Beans

Makes 6 servings

1                     tablespoon vegetable oil
1                     large onion , chopped (1 cup)
1/2                  cup chopped red or green bell pepper
2                     cans (15 ounces each) Progresso black beans , un-drained
2                   cups cubed fully cooked ham
2                   teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2            cups bisquick mix
1/3               cup cornmeal
2/3               cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)

1.              Heat oil in 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat . Cook onion and bell pepper in oil , stirring occasionally until tender . Stir in beans , ham and 1 teaspoon of chili powder . Heat to boiling ; reduce heat to low .

2 .            Stir Bisquick mix , cornmeal , milk and remaining 1 teaspoon chili powder in remaining bowl until soft dough forms . Drop by spoonful   onto simmering   bean mixture .

3 .          Cook uncovered 10 minutes . Cover and cook 10 minutes longer . Sprinkle with cheese . Cover and cook 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted .

Tips :
Pinto beans or a combination of black beans and pinto beans will give a slightly different twist to this dish .