Thick and rich red bean soup

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsRed kidney beans, soaked
2quartsWater
1Bay leaf
1largeGreen bell pepper, seeded & quartered
¼cupOlive oil
4Garlic cloves, chopped
1largeOnion, chopped
1largeGreen bell pepper, diced
1cupTomatoes, coarsely chopped
1tablespoonRed wine vinegar
½cupDry sherry
½teaspoonOregano
½teaspoonCumin
Salt & pepper
2mediumsPotatoes, diced
1cupButternut squash, diced
Olive oil to taste

Directions

SOFRITO

TO FINISH

Combine beans, water bell pepper & salt, bring to a boil & simmer for 1½ to 2 hours. Add more water as needed.

SOFRITO: Heat oil in a skillet, saute the garlic, onion & bell pepper till tender. Add tomatoes, vinegar, sherry, oregano, cumin, salt & pepper & cook 10 minutes.

When beans are tender, add the sofrito, potatoes & squash. Stir to blend, & cook over a low heat until the potatoes & squash are tender. Either serve as is or puree. Drizzle some olive oil over each serving.

Adapted from Randelman & Schwartz, "Memories of a Cuban Kitchen" From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini