Sunday, November 19, 2006

Black Bean Soup

This is the 2nd favorite soup in the house. Should I tell you that split pea is #1? I don't think many people would believe that my kids love a green soup and I might lose all credibility, but there it is. I think the thrill of this one is the "construct your own soup" mentality. Kids love choices however small and with all the toppings they can express their independance all evening long.

2 1/2 c dried black beans
2 T olive oil
1 c chopped onions
1 c chopped carrots
1 c chopped celery
2 T minced garlic
2 t ground cumin
1 t chili powder
2 14-oz cans chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 t ground thyme
1 pound smoked ham hocks
1 28-oz can pureed tomatoes
1 1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper

Rinse beans and cover with water. Either soak overnight or boil for two minutes followed by covering for an hour. Drain beans. Saute onion, carrots, celery and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add cumin, chili powder and pepper and cook another minute. Stir in beans, 6 c water, broth, bay leaf, thyme and ham. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Puree in batches (oh and first take out that darn bay leaf) and return to pot. Stir in salt and tomatoes.

Top with any or all of the following:
rice
grated cheddar
sour cream
lime wedges
hot sauce
red peppers
tomatoes
sliced olives

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love making soups with pulses too, they are so tasy, nutritious and cheap. How do you persuade teenage boys to enjoy them too?

J said...

That made me hungry. Maya also loves split pea soup. She's a vegetarian, so no hamhocks for us. ;(

Blog said...

Yumm! That looks delish! I'll have to try it!

Anonymous said...

black beans are one of our favorite soups too! thanks so much for your comments at my blog. No I still don't have my computer back. I am hiding out at my mom's. (next door)Left hubby with the four kids. :)

Unknown said...

YUMMMM! I especially love the sound of the toppings! Definitely a must-try!

Anonymous said...

That sounds wonderful! I must make it soon

Domestic Slackstress said...

I grew up eating yellow split pea soup. Being born first-generation American to French-Canadian import parents had a lot to do with this. I think they busted our pea soup straight from the old can during harder times. I believe the brand is Habitant. I love it. I've tried to duplicate the smokey flavor and hearty texture to no avail. Sometimes the canned version of pea soup is superior to mine, which is derived from my grandmother's French Canadian recipe. She's rolling in her crypt right now. I'd love to see your pea soup recipe along my quest for the perfect soup de petit pois verts (ou jaunes?).

TulipGirl said...

My boys love both lentil soup and split pea soup--both of which have earned the moniker of Orc Slops and are eaten with much relish!