Black bean soup can be easily and quickly prepared using either dried black beans (soak overnight and then discard water) or using canned black beans. Dominicans will prepare this soup simply while other variations can be made by using ham/bacon bits for extra flavour during the cooking process.

Ingredients Required

• 2 Cans of black beans, rinsed and then drained (15 oz size each)
• 1 Medium chopped white onion
• 1 Chopped green bell pepper
• 7 Cups of water
• 1 Teaspoonful of olive oil
• A pinch of ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Course ground black pepper

How To Make Your Black Bean Soup

• In a large pan saute the onion, garlic and green pepper until soft
• Add the drained beans, 7 cups of water and salt, black pepper and cumin
• Mix well and then simmer over a low light for about 25 minutes. (It’s at this point that if you like you can add some bacon or chunks of ham)
• Let the soup cool off and then start to puree in a blender. (Some people prefer to puree all the beans, while other people like to puree only half the mixture to give the soup a rougher consistency)
• Once you have your desired consistency return all the soup back to the pan and heat gently until hot enough to serve

This soup is great just served on it’s own, or with a dollop of sour cream and some finely chopped onions on top.