Smoky Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

dried black beans	1	pound , (2 cups)
extra-virgin olive oil	2	tablespoons
medium onions	2	, finely chopped, 1/3 cup reserved for garnish
red bell pepper	1	, finely chopped
celery	2	large stalks , chopped
jalapeño pepper	1	, seeded and finely chopped
garlic	3	large cloves , minced
ground cumin	1	tablespoon
water	4	cups
brewed coffee	2	cups
ham hock	1	, (optional)
bay leaf	1
salt	1	teaspoon , plus more if needed
reduced-fat sour cream	6	tablespoons
Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Pick over beans; rinse well. Place in a large bowl with cold water to cover by 2 inches. Let soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. (Or use the quick-soak method: Cover the beans with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil; simmer 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.) Drain.

2. Heat oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add all but 1/3 cup of the onions, bell pepper, celery, jalapeño and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are beginning to brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Add cumin and cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add the beans, water, coffee, ham hock (if using) and bay leaf; cover and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam that rises to the top, reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the beans are very tender, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. If using, remove the ham hock and set it aside to cool; remove the bay leaf. Stir in salt.

3. Puree about half of the soup in a blender or food processor until fairly smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Return the pureed soup to the pot and heat through. If desired, cut meat off the ham hock, trim away any fat and chop the meat into small pieces; stir back into the soup.

4. Serve the soup garnished with the reserved chopped onion, a dollop of sour cream (or yogurt) and cilantro, if desired.

Smoky Black Bean Soup