Quick soak beans by bringing beans and water to a boil.

Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cover the pot.

Let the beans stand in the soak water for 1 hour.

Drain the soak water.

Place beans in a pressure cooker.

Cook for 3 minutes.

Let the pressure cooker cool until the top can be removed.

Add chopped onion, bouillon cube, diced ham, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt (optional), chopped jalapeno, and cayenne pepper.

Cook and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add chopped green pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.

Serve the black beans over cooked brown rice.

Top with crumbled cheese (optional).