Cuban Black Bean Soup

Total Time: 3 hrs 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 lb dried black beans
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 cup sour cream (for garnish)
• 3 quarts cold water

Recipe

• 1 place the beans in a large pan. cover with 3 quarts cold water and add the bay leaves. bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. cook the beans for 3 hours, stirring frequently and adding more water as necessary to keep the beans covered at all times.
• 2 heat the oil in a large skillet. add the onions and sauté over medium-high heat until translucent, about 15 minutes. add the garlic, cumin, and dried and fresh oregano and sauté for 2 more minutes. remove from the heat and cool slightly. transfer the onion mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. set aside.
• 3 when the beans are almost tender, add the onion puree, sugar, and salt, and continue cooking until just tender, 30 minutes. taste and adjust seasonings.
• 4 ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream.