South American Black Bean Soup

South American Black Bean Soup

Course :	Beans
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	10

Ingredients:

1	pound	black beans -- soaked in water
2	pieces	bay leaves
2	medium	Onions -- chopped
4	cloves	garlic -- minced or pressed
1 1/2	teaspoons	cumin powder
1 1/2	teaspoons	oregano
1	dash	cayenne pepper
2	teaspoons	vegetable oil
1	teaspoon	salt -- to taste (optional)
2	tablespoons	dry sherry -- or red wine vinegar
2	teaspoons	lime juice
2	teaspoons	brown sugar

Preparation:

Combine beans and bay leaves with 3 quarts water in large pot; bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender; remove bay leaves and reserve. Saute onions, garlic, cumin powder, oregano and cayenne pepper in oil in nonstick pan over medium high heat until onions are tender; add to beans. Puree about half of soup mixture in food processor or blender; return to pot. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Season with salt. Stir in sherry, lime juice and brown sugar. Serve with garnishes*, if desired. *Garnishes: plain low fat yogurt, sliced red pepper or radishes, lime slices, minced cilantro or parsley.

Nutritional Information:

181 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; (8% calories from fat); 10g Protein; 32g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 4mg Sodium