Black Bean Soup

Not only a seventies soul song by David (Starsky and Hutch) - the one who jumped on top of the car and broke his “bottom” but also a popular soup in central and south America.

Preparation time: 5 minutes   Quantity: Serves 3 - 4   Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

250g / 9 oz black beans
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 onions - finely diced
2 cloves garlic - crushed
1 small green pepper - diced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme - chopped
1 tablespoon flat parsley - chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
200 ml good red wine
seasoning

Method

  • Place the beans in a large saucepan and cover with hot water
  • Bring to the boil and
  • Simmer for 20 - 30 minutes, until the beans are tender
  • Ladle of any gray foam (scum), whilst simmering
  • Mash the beans slightly so some are pureed, whilst others are still whole
  • Meanwhile heat the oil and fry of the onions, until just lightly browned
  • Add the garlic and pepper and cook until soft
  • Add the cumin and herbs and cook for half a minute more
  • Add the onion mix to the beans
  • Add the wine and
  • Simmer for a further 15 - 20 minutes, until reduced a little
  • Season well to taste