Unadulterated Black Bean Soup Recipe

Serves 10

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb dried black beans
  • 2 ham hocks
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tbsp dry sherry or madiera (optional)
  • Sour cream
  • Chives

    • Instructions:

    1. Pick over beans, cover with cold water and bring to boil for 2 minutes.
    2. Remove from heat and let stand for at least 1 hour, or soak beans overnight, changing water several times.
    3. Drain beans and place in a large pot.
    4. Rinse the ham hocks.
    5. Peel and quarter the onions.
    6. Bury hocks and onions in the beans.
    8. Add 7 to 8 cups water and bring to a boil.
    10. Turn the heat down and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Be sure the beans are soft.
    11. Remove the hocks or bone and strip any meat from them.
    12. Add the meat to the soup and puree in batches in a blender.
    13. Put the pureed soup in a clean pot; warm, adding the seasonings and wine, if using.
    14. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and finely minced chives.