Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3      cups          black beans -- sorted and rinsed
   6      cups          water
   7      cups          [stock]
   1      can           tomatoes -- including liquid
                        cut in pieces
   2      cups          chopped celery
   1                    carrot -- large chopped
   1                    onion -- large chopped
   4                    garlic cloves -- large min
   2                    bay leaves
   1      teaspoon      basil
   1      teaspoon      oregano
     1/2  teaspoon      marjoram
   1 1/2  tablespoons   lemon juice
   5 1/2  tablespoons   sherry

Preparation:

Soak the black beans in the 6 cups of water overnight in a large pot. Drain the soaking water and refill soup pot with the 7 cups of ff chicken broth(you can also use vegetable broth) the add and cook for 2-2 1/2 hours until beans are soft the tomatoes, celery, carrot, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, basil, marjoram then add the lemon juice, sherry and apple cider vinegar to taste for a sharper flavor. Salt and pepper to taste. Now I have not tried this yet but I think that I would add the tomatoes after the beans were soft. Then remove the bay leaves and blend soup in food processor or blender. Return to soup pot and reheat and serve garnishing each bowl with 1/2- 1 T of nonfat sour cream and 1/2 teaspoon chives or green onion tops. Source: Simply Vegetarian! Page(s): 30, Date Published: 1989 Crystal Clarity Publishers 14618 Tyler Foote Rd. Nevada City, Ca 95959 :