Soak beans in water (covered by 2 inches) in large saucepan overnight.
Drain and rinse beans; cover with fresh water and bring to boil. Add bay leaf, whole garlic clove, cumin, and pepper flakes. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender, 1 to 1¼ hours. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tsp salt. Cool in own liquid. Drain beans, discarding liquid, garlic and bay leaf.
Rinse onion in mesh sieve under cold water; drain and pat dry.
Combine onion, beans, minced garlic, ¼ tsp salt, tomato, radishes, cilantro, lime juice, and chile. Makes 4 cups.
NOTES: 2 cans (16 oz each) of black beans can be substituted for the dried beans (omitting all steps related to cooking the beans).
Nutritional Info per ¼ C:
CALORIES 45; FAT 0g; PROTEIN 3g; CARB 9g; CHOL 0mg; SODIUM 174mg
Source: Bunkie Rivkin