[recipe*] Cuban Black Bean Soup ~ vegan

[Guest guest]

This is a recipe I have made several times from the

cookbook titled 'Vegan Planet' and it is so delicious.

A very hearty soup that drives away the autumn

chill.

 

Cuban Black Bean Soup

 

1 1/2 cups dried black beans, picked over and rinsed

8 cups water

2 bay leaves

1 Tbs olive oil

1 large red onion, chopped

1 medium size carrot, chopped

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 small, fresh hot chile, seeded and minced

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

6 cups vegetable stock or water

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

1/4 cup dark rum (optional)

2 Tbs minced fresh cilantro for garnish

 

1. Soak the beans in water for several hours or overnight.

 

2. Drain beans and transfer to a large pot. Add the water and

bay leaves and bring to a boil over medium heat, Reduce heat

to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the beans are soft, about

1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally, skimming off any foam that rises to

the top. Drain the beans, discard the bay leaves, and set the beans

aside.

 

3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion,

carrot, bell pepper, garlic, and chile. Cover and cook until softened,

about 5 minutes. Add the juice from the tomatoes, then mince the

tomatoes and add to the pan. Stir in the beans, stock, oregano, cumin,

salt and cayenne (if using). Simmer for 30 minutes.

 

4. Carefully transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender or food processor.

Process until smooth and return to the pot. Add a little water if the soup

is too thick. Simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors. Taste and adjust

the seasonings.

 

5. About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the dark rum (if using). Serve

hot, garnished with the cilantro.

 

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

 

~ PT ~

 

Month of October - penetrable is the shelter;

Yellow the tops of the birch, solitary the summer dwelling;

Full of fat the birds and the fish.

~ anon. Welsh poet