Spicy red bean soup

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Jim Vorheis
1teaspoonCayenne pepper
1teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
2Bay leaves, crumbled
1teaspoonGround cumin
1poundsDry red kidney beans
3quartsWater
poundsLean smoked ham hock
1tablespoonSalt
cupChopped celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2Cloves garlic, minced
½teaspoonTabasco sauce (or to taste)
3tablespoonsMinced fresh parsley

Directions

Place cayenne pepper, black pepper, bay leaves and cumin in center of 6-inch square of cheesecloth. Pull edges together, making a ball of the spices. Twist and tie with heavy thread.

Rinse beans and put them in large kettle with spice ball, water, ham hock, salt, celery, onion and garlic. Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer covered for 3-4 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, remove spice ball. Stir in Tabasco and parsley.

Creme de Colorado Cookbook (1987) From the collection of Jim Vorheis