Black Bean Soup

Ingredients for Black Bean Soup

• 350ml dried black beans (275g), picked over and rinsed

• 8 bacon slices (200g), chopped (160g )

• 1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (110g )

• 1/2 red pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (110g )

• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped garlic

• 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded fresh jalape&241

• o chilli

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled

• 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf

• 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, crumbled

• 3 qt reduced-sodium chicken broth (2875ml )

• 3/4 teaspoons white pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander

• Accompaniments: soured cream and chopped fresh coriander

• Accompaniments: soured cream and chopped fresh coriander

How to make Black Bean Soup

Cover beans with cold water by 3 inches in a bowl and soak at room temperature at least 8 hours, or quick-soak (see cooks' note, below). Drain well in a colander.

Cook bacon in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot. Reserve 2 tablespoons chopped bacon for topping, then return remaining bacon to pot and heat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Add onion, pepper, garlic, chilli, oregano, bay leaf, and thyme and sauté, stirring frequently, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

Add beans, chicken broth, and white pepper and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until beans are very tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Discard bay leaf and stir in coriander.

Serve soup topped with soured cream, chopped coriander, and reserved bacon.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.