A meaty black bean soup with sausages and chicken cooked with bay leaf, cumin and tomato paste. A splash of sherry added immediately before serving brightens the flavors.
INGREDIENTS (for 5 servings):
- 2 cups dry black beans
- 2 cups water
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch strips
- 4 (3.5 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sherry
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
PREPARATION:
In a large bowl, combine the beans with the water and let soak overnight. Beans will double in size so be sure to use a large enough bowl. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans.
In a large pot over high heat, combine the beans, chicken, sausage, bay leaves, cumin, onion, garlic and sherry. Add enough water to cover all ingredients.
Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until beans are tender. Add tomato paste to soup and stir until dissolved.