Cuban Black Bean Soup

I love black bean soup, probably as much as any soup I know. This time I thought I’d take it away from the Southwestern palate I usually go for and try something more Cuban or Caribbean. Considering the ham hock I threw in, I’m not sure exactly where it wound up being from.

Word is that it turned out pretty well, though.

click on image for slide show

Images:
  • Today’s soup, Cuban black bean, though I’ve kind of got a yen to add some chipotle chili (didn’t do it though).
  • Oh yeah…and a ham hock.
  • Today weapon of choice…my Presto Multi-Cooker. The world’s fastest slowcooker. Seriously, why use a crock pot when you can saute and simmer in the same pot?
  • Damn sexy onion.
  • Damn sexy pepper. Edward Weston, eat your heart out.
  • Onion, green pepper, garlic, happily sauteing some olive oil.
  • Great little ham hock. Worth puffing and puffing that little house down for.
  • One lb black beans, soaked overnight and drained
  • Put it all together, add six cups water.
  • We get it to a boil. Then back down to a simmer and skim the foam…
  • Salted, simmering for the next three hours. Got to pop out and get cumin…
  • One heaping teaspoon cumin, making a late arrival to the party. Cuban black bean soup recipes often call for oregano, but I’m not feeling the love.
  • Black bean soup isn’t really black. Do you think I could add some octopus ink?
  • A teaspoon of vinegar for brightness.
  • A swoosh of sour cream to finish!

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