Cuban black bean soup

2
Points®
Total Time
1 hr 47 min
Prep
17 min
Cook
1 hr 30 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Black beans are a staple food in Cuba and other islands of the Caribbean. This spicy soup is served with chopped fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and a dollop of yogurt, adding a welcome touch of color, crunch, and coolness. The technique of pureeing some of the soup, then returning it to the pot, is an easy way of thickening the soup and creating a creamy consistency. Bean soups keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. The flavors are even better after standing. When reheating, thin with a little extra water, if necessary.

Ingredients

Dried black beans

8 oz, picked over, rinsed, and drained

Hot water

4 cup(s), boiling

Olive oil

2 tsp

Celery

2 rib(s), medium, thinly sliced

Onion

1 large, chopped

Garlic

3 clove(s), minced

Chili powder

2 tsp

Ground cumin

½ tsp

Ground coriander

½ tsp

Vegetable broth

6 cup(s), low sodium

Hot pepper sauce

½ tsp

Sherry cooking wine

1 Tbsp, (optional)

Tomato

½ cup(s), ripe, chopped

Red onion

½ cup(s), sliced, chopped

Plain low fat yogurt

¼ cup(s)

Cilantro

¼ cup(s), fresh, chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine the beans and boiling water in a large bowl. Cover with a plate and let stand 1 hour; drain.
  2. Heat the oil in a nonstick Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the celery, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are lightly browned and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the soaked beans, the broth, and the hot pepper sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the beans are tender, about 1 1⁄4 hours. Transfer 2 cups of the bean soup to a food processor or blender and puree. Return to the Dutch oven. Stir in the sherry, if using.
  4. Serve the soup with bowls of the tomato, red onion, yogurt, and cilantro as garnishes. Yields 1⁄3 cups soup and 1⁄4 of toppings per serving.