Mr. Stox Black Bean Soup

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Title: Mr. Stox Black Bean Soup
Categories: soups
Yield: 8 servings

1 lb dry black beans
water
1 lb bacon; cut crosswise, thin
-strip
1 onion; diced
1 red bell pepper; diced
1 carrot; diced
1 celery; diced
1 ts fresh cilantro leaves,
-chopped; chopped
1 (large) garlic; minced
16 c chicken stock
chili powder
salt
black pepper; freshly ground
salsa (optional)
Mexican crema or sour cream
-(opt)

Soak beans in water to cover in refrigerator overnight. Drain and rinse in
colander. Set aside.

Cook bacon in large pot until almost browned. Add onion, bell pepper,
carrot, celery, cilantro and garlic and saute over medium heat until
vegetables are tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Add beans and chicken stock and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer until beans are soft, about 1 hour.

Puree soup in batches in blender. Strain back into pot. Season to taste
with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Serve in wide-rimmed soup bowls and
garnish with salsa and crema if desired.

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