Brazilian Black Bean Soup

Makes 4-6 servings


Ingredients
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (29 oz) black beans, drained
1 can (14.5 oz) vegetable or chicken broth
3 T Cayenne pepper sauce
2 T chopped cilantro (or 2 t dried cilantro)
2 t ground cumin
2 T rum or sherry (optional)

Heat oil in 3 quart saucepan.  Cook and stir onion and garlic 3 minutes or just until tender.  Stir in 1.5 cups of water and remaining ingredients except rum.  Heat to boiling.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Cook, partially covered, 20 minutes or until flavors are blended, stirring occasionally.

Ladle about half of soup into blender or food processor.  Cover securely.  Process on low speed until mixture is smooth.  Return to saucepot.  Stir in rum.  Cook over medium-low heat 3 minutes or until heated through and flavors are blended.  Garnish with lime slices, sour cream, minced onion, or cilantro, if desired,

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

We think this dish tastes just as good cold!