Cuban Beans My Way

Name: Cuban Beans My Way
Ingredients: 16 ounces black beans (I use Goya or the organic black beans from Whole Foods bulk bins); 2 bay leaves; 1 red onion (1/3 left whole, the other 2/3 chopped); 1 green bell pepper (1/2 left whole, 1/2 chopped); 1/4 cup plus 3 t olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon oregano; 3 medium carrots, chopped; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium); generous fistful of cilantro, chopped; salt and fresh ground pepper as needed; hot sauce on top!