Sunday black bean soup

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsDried black beans
2Smoked ham hocks
3cupsChicken stock
4Coarsely chopped carrots
3Coarsely chopped onions
3Coarsely chopped celery
1tablespoonChopped jalepeno pepper
3Garlic cloves
1teaspoonCumin
1cupDry sherry
1Lime (juice)

Directions

To soak beans quickly, cover them with generous amount of water, cover pot, bring water to boil and boil 2 minutes. Remove cover and allow beans to sit in the liquid for one hour. Drain. In hot oil (1-2 Tb.), saute carrots, onions, celery, and garlic until onions are golden. Add cumin and jalepenos. When beans are ready to cook, add ham hocks to beans along with sauted vegetables, and chicken broth and enough water to cover. Cook for 1½ to 2 hours, or until tender. Drain the bean mixture and reserve cooking liquid. Puree beans and vegetables. Add sherry and lime juice and enough of the reserved liquid to make a thick soup. Can be served with chopped corriander or sour cream or lemon slice.