Thursday, March 28, 2013

Spicy Black Bean Soup - Slow Cooker

This soup may not be the most appealing looking but it has so much flavour and is so good for you.  When traveling in the south black beans are a big staple in all the Mexican restaurants.   It can be made quite thick or thin.  Today I made it thinner by adding a higher ratio of stock to beans.  Also you will have to have a blender or food processor to finish properly.  A hand masher will not quite work.

Optional:
Long method is to start with black beans and soak them overnight in water.  Short version would be to purchase canned black beans.

In slow cooker combine the following:
4 slices of ham finely chopped
1/2 finely chopped sweet onion
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 large tomato skinned and chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder 
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 cans black beans drained and rinsed with water
6 cups Knorr Suisse chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream to top

Set on high and cook for 4 to 6 hours/low 6 to 8 hours.
Allow to cool completely - at least 1 to 2 hours.  DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.  You cannot blend if hot, the top will pop off your blender.
Pour in about 1/4 at a time and blend on ice setting.  Doesn't take long.  Gradually add more or remove blended soup to a serving bowl.  Once all the soup is blended then you can serve in soup bowl servings.  Microwave till heated through about 2 to 3 minutes.  Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Optional: thinner version, use 1/2 half the beans.



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