BLACK BEAN AND SWEET POTATO SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Combine sweet potatoes, chipotle pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large bowl and toss to coat. Spread sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast sweet potatoes in the preheated oven until the outside is crunchy and inside is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.
• Cook and stir remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, ancho chile powder, cumin, and dried oregano together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook and stir until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
• Pour tomatoes and water into the onion mixture and bring to a simmer. Add cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, sugar, and cocoa powder. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Stir black beans and cooled sweet potatoes into the onion-tomato mixture. Add more water if mixture is too thick. Simmer until heated through, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Serve topped with sour cream and cilantro.

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes.
• Make a space in the middle of the pot and add the tomato paste, garlic, smoked paprika and coriander. Cook this mixture in that spot, stirring, until the tomato paste darkens a shade or two, about 1 minute, then stir into the vegetables. Add 12 cups water and the bay leaves. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced slightly, about 15 minutes. 
• Add the sweet potatoes and black beans. Continue to simmer rapidly until the vegetables are very tender and the soup is thick and flavorful. 20 to 30 minutes more. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the parsley. Season with additional salt, as needed. Ladle into soup bowls and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and 3 to 4 drops of sherry vinegar per bowl if using.