Black bean soup with jalapenos

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
8Jalapeno chiles, stems and seeds removed, chopped
1tablespoonDried crushed red chile, seeds included
2cupsBlack beans, sorted and rinsed
2tablespoonsBacon fat or vegetable oil
2mediumsOnions, chopped
4Cloves garlic, minced
1largeHam hock
1cupCanned tomatoes, chopped
2teaspoonsGround cumin
1teaspoonGround epazote (optional)
1teaspoonGround coriander
¼teaspoonGround cloves
1tablespoonRed wine vinegar
6To 8 cups water
3tablespoonsTequila (optional)

Directions

Serves 8

Sour cream for garnish

Cover the beans with water and soak them overnight.

Saute onion and garlic in bacon fat until soft.

Combine all ingredients, except tequila and sour cream, in large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours or until beans are soft.

Remove ham hock and shred meat. Divide soup in half, puree half of it and add back to the remaining soup. Add shredded meat and simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency.

Remove from heat, stir in tequila, garnish with sour cream, and serve.

The Whole Chili Pepper From the collection of Jim Vorheis