The Perfect Black Bean Soup

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried black beans
• 8 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 jalapenos, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, fresh or 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
• 4 vegetable bouillon cubes
• 4 cups water
• 1 lime, juice of

Recipe

• 1 in a large saucepan over high heat, place the black beans, water and bay leaves. bring to a boil. reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the beans are soft, about 1 hour. remove from the heat. remove bay leaves.
• 2 spray another large saucepan or stockpot with non-stick cooking spray. sautee the onions until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
• 3 add the garlic, jalapeno, carrot,stirring constantly, until the garlic's aroma is released, 3 to 5 minutes.
• 4 add cumin, coriander, cayenne and cilantro.
• 5 add 4 cups water and bouillion cubes, simmer until cubes are dissolved.
• 6 stir in the black beans and their liquid and mix well.
• 7 turn up the heat and bring to a boil. reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, an additional 30 minutes.
• 8 use a stick blender or transfer in small batches to a standard blender. blend to desired consistancy. add lime juice and serve.