South Beach Black Bean Soup

Cook-a-holic's Note:

This is from Nigella Lawson.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 1⁄3; cups dried black beans , rinsed
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large red peppers , chopped
• 2 shallots , chopped
• 2 large onions , chopped
• 8 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons ground oregano
• lime zest , from one lime
• ½ tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro , chopped
• quartered lime
• diced red onion
• sour cream
• Tabasco sauce

Directions:

1. Place the beans and bay leaves in a large pot and cover with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until tender. Add more water if necessary to keep the beans well covered.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and saute the peppers, shallots, onion and garlic over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
3. Add cumin, oregano and lime zest, and transfer to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
4. When the beans are almost tender, add the pureed mixture and the sugar and salt, and cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes.
5. Before serving, add the dry sherry and cilantro. Serve topped with sour cream and diced red onions and with a lime wedge and Tobasco on the side.

Reviews

[Rita~]

I made 1/2 the recipe. I used 2 large diced jalapenos in place of the canned chili`s for lower sodium and I skipped the salt.To puree the veggies I did use some of the liquid from the beans. I would have enjoyed more if the veggies were not pureed, and have added some carrots and celery. I did use yogurt in place of sour cream. Made for Pick A Chef http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=310505&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 Thanks!