Sunday black-bean soup (new york times)

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsDried black beans
2eachesSmoked ham hocks
3cupsChicken stock
4eachesCoarsely chopped carrots
3eachesCoarsely chopped onions
3eachesCoarsely chopped celery
1tablespoonChopped jalepeno pepper
3eachesGarlic cloves
1teaspoonCumin
1cupDry sherry
1eachLime (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.