Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup

Need something warm and deliciously healthy this time of year?  Look no farther.  This Black Bean Soup is so flavorful and healthy, not to mention economical!  To my surprise, even the kids loved it.  It's a perfect dish to use the end of your ham as well.  This recipe will serve about 6 people, but I like to double it so we have enough for dinner the next night as well. You can serve this with a great salad and some tortilla chips on the side.

1 pound dried black beans

1 bay leaf

1 ham bone or 1/2 pound chopped ham or sausage

1 teaspoon oregano

1 large yellow or white onion, chopped

12 green onions

1 tablespoon oregano

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 avocado chopped for garnish

Rinse beans under cold water and place in a medium pot. Cover with water by 3 inches.  Add bay leaf and oregano and ham bone, ham or sausage.  Bring to a boil over medium heat .  Reduce heat to low and  and simmer, adding more water if necessary to keep beans covered.  Simmer for 2 hours with lid on.  In large skillet heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.  Saute onions, green onions, garlic and cumin until onions are soft, about 15-20 minutes.  Season onion mixture with salt and pepper while onions saute.  When beans are cooked, remove ham bone and bay leaf.  Stir in onion mixture.  Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.  Garnish with chopped avocado,green onions and or cilantro if desired.