MEXICAN BLACK BEAN SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Cook bacon in large pot over medium heat until crisp, stirring frequently.
• Remove bacon and chop coarsely.
• Leave approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in pan and add chopped bacon, onion, garlic, & bay leaf.
• When onion is tender, add tomatoes and seasonings and stir until aromatic.
• Add beans and broth.
• Cook at a slow boil until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours (you may also use a slow cooker on low-med heat for this last step).
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top.

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic along with the chipotle, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the black beans and chicken stock and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Using a potato masher, coarsely crush some of the beans.
• Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage to the beans, along with the lime juice and cilantro; season with salt and pepper. Simmer the soup for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve, passing the sour cream and lime wedges separately.