Black Bean Soup

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by Rod
(Dallas, TX)

 

This Black Bean Soup is a uniquely-flavored spicy/sweet soup. The recipe is versatile and allows a wide variety of spices, heat and sweetness; personal and regional tastes will determine the actual ingredients used.

Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:
1 16-oz. pkg dried black beans*
2 quarts fresh water*
2 15-oz. cans black beans, mashed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
6 med. cloves diced garlic
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, mashed
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp garlic granules
2 tsp ground cumin
2 med. bay leaves
1 1/2 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp paprika
3/4 tsp sea salt
3/4 tsp coarse black pepper
1 11-oz. can vacuum-packed corn (optional)

* 3 15-oz cans of black beans may be used instead of cooking dried beans; add 1-2 cups of water instead of the 2 quarts needed for cooking dried beans. Add these cans after soup simmers 30 min. to maintain the texture of the cooked beans. Reduce salt as desired.

Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, sliced fresh chives, fresh salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, shaved dark chocolate.
Directions:

Cook dried black beans to al dente texture. Maintain 1 inch of water on top of beans while cooking. Remove from stove when beans are cooked (for shorter cooking time, soak beans overnight then drain, rinse and add fresh water).

In a 4-quart pot, sauté onions, celery and garlic in olive oil.

In a medium bowl, mash canned beans (including liquid) and set aside.

Add all ingredients to soup pot, including beans cooking water; stir to combine.

Cover pot and simmer 55 min., stirring frequently (or use heat diffuser and stir occasionally). Add water as necessary to maintain desired soup thickness.

Add canned corn, stir to combine and continue cooking soup 5 min. (corn will retain a crunchy, moist texture). Allow soup to cool slightly before serving.

Serve with toppings on the side; bread, cornbread or cooked brown rice may be served as accompaniment.