Now that the cold has truly arrived I can think of nothing better to warm us up than a delicious and hearty soup. This one actually comes from Cuba but is perfect for these dark, winter days.
Black beans are full of hearty goodness, something we can all probably use as we try to stick with our healthy eating plans for the new year. Enjoy!
What you need:
250 ml dried black beans
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (the hotter the better – and use more if you like it spicy!)
2 tbsp oil
2 onions, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp dried coriander
1/2 tsp dried ginger
pinch of mustard powder
1 tsp tumeric
2 medium-sized potatoes, unpeeled, cut into small cubes
2 medium-sized parsnips, unpeeled, cut into small cubes
2 medium-sized carrots, unpeeled, cut into small cubes
500 ml crushed tomatoes
1 1/4 l vegetable or chicken broth
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
lemon slices for garnish
What you do:
Soak beans overnight in a large pot of cold water.
Drain and cover the beans with 5 cups of fresh cold water, simmering for one hour. Add more water as needed to keep the beans covered. Add the red pepper and cook the beans for a further 30 minutes to one hour, until the beans are tender. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan on medium. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Add the garlic, coriander, ginger, mustard and turmeric and cook briefly, until the aroma of the spices is released. Add the potatoes, parsnips, carrots, tomatoes and broth. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the beans and heat through, then stir in the lemon juice and soy sauce. Add more soy and/or Tobasco to taste. Serve in bowls, garnished with lemon slices.
Serves 10-12 people.
Smaklig måltid!
Tell us how you get on with this recipe in the comments below!
Judi Lembke
Judi Lembke is an experienced editor and writer who, when not shackled to her computer, enjoys reading, cooking and sometimes watching embarrassingly bad reality TV. Judi also works with communications and thinks coming up with clever ideas is about as much fun as one can have without taking off one’s clothes.
