Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup

== Description ==
This is from the "Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook" for slow-cookers. I love this, and do my husband and son. Make sure to add the vinegar at the end, it makes a big, delicious difference! We like ours with fresh Cornbread.
== Ingredients ==
* 1 lb dried black beans, washed and stones removed
* 3 onions, chopped
* 1 green pepper, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (powdered works fine, too)
* 1 ham hock or ¾ cup cubed ham
* 1 tablespoon oil
* 1 tablespoon ground cumin
* 2 teaspoons dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 tablespoon salt
* ½ teaspoon pepper
* 3 cups water
* 2 tablespoons vinegar
== Directions ==
# Soak beans overnight in 4 quarts water.
# Drain combine beans, onions, green pepper, garlic, ham, oil, cumin, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and 3 cups fresh water.
# Stir well.
# Cover.
# Cook on low 8 – 10 hours, or high 4-5 hours.
# For a thick soup, remove half of cooked bean mixture and puree until smooth in a blender or mash with potato masher.
# Return to cooker.
# If you like a soup-ier soup, leave as is.
# Add vinegar and stir well.
# Debone ham, cut into bite-sized pieces and return to soup.
# Serve in soup bowls.
# Can be topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Category:Crockpot Recipes
Category:Black bean Recipes
Category:Caribbean Soups
Category:Cornbread Recipes
Category:Green bell pepper Recipes
Category:Ham hock Recipes
Category:Onion Recipes
Category:Bean Soup Recipes
Category:Garlic Recipes