Black Bean Tortilla Soup (recipe)

[Guest guest]

This is a recipe I revamped and prepared last night.

It was yummy. I didn't bother to strain the black

beans, but will probably do that next time to remove

the skins. Next time, I will add some cumin to the

soup. I also roasted a serrano chile along with the

onion and garlic. It added a nice little heat. I

added more fresh serranos as a topping. I think a

fresh pico de gallo (with tomato, onion, chile,

cilantro, and lime juice) would make an excellent

topping for this soup. Avocado slices would be good

too. Feel free to add more vegetable stock if you

like a thinner soup.

 

Black Bean Tortilla Soup

 

1 1/4 cups ( 1/2 pound) rinsed dried black beans (not

soaked)

Salt

1 sprig epazote, optional

3 garlic cloves

1 onion, peeled and halved

4 cups vegetable stock

6 corn tortillas

Oil for frying

1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

12 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (monterey jack or

pepper jack works fine too)

 

1. Put the beans in a large pot and add 2 quarts water

and the epazote, if using. Bring to a boil, cover

almost completely and simmer until the beans are

tender, about 1 hour. Season to taste with salt.

 

2. In batches, purée the beans with cooking liquid in

a blender. Strain back into the large pot; discard the

bean skins.

 

3. Roast the garlic and onion in a hot (cast iron)

skillet until spotted with brown. Purée the garlic and

onion in a blender with 1/2 cup of the vegetable

stock. Add to the bean purée.

 

4. Add the remaining vegetable stock to the strained

black bean purée. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and

then simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt.

 

5. Cut the tortillas in half and cut each half into

thin strips. Heat one-half inch oil in a small

skillet, add the tortilla pieces a few at a time and

fry, turning at least once, for about 3 minutes or

until golden brown. Remove from the oil with a

slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

 

6. To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Top with tortilla

strips, cilantro and cheese.