Sopa de Frijoles Negros

==Description==
Black bean soup from Cuba.
* Serves 4
==Ingredients==
* 1 lb dried black beans (plus enough water to soak them)
* 1 cup chopped onions
* 1 tbsp butter or margarine
* 4 cups water (in addition to the water for soaking)
* 1 beef bouillon cube
* 12 ounces cooked lean ham, cubed
* 2 bay leaves
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 whole dried red chile
* 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
==Directions==
# Pick thorough the dried beans and discard any stones or beans that are not in good shape.
# Soak the beans overnight, then drain.
# In a large pot, sauté the onion in butter or margarine until the onions are translucent.
# Add the beans, fresh water, the bouillon cube, ham cubes, and spices and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
# Simmer until the beans are tender (about 1 – 1½ hours).
# Remove about 1 cup of beans from soup and mash them, then return them to the soup.
# Keep stirring until the soup thickens.
# Remove bay leaves and chile pepper and discard.
# Add the green pepper.
# Cover and simmer for 15 minutes more.
# Serve over rice.
Category:Beef stock and broth Recipes
Category:Black bean Recipes
Category:Cuban Soups
Category:Dried chile pepper Recipes
Category:Green bell pepper Recipes
Category:Ham Recipes
Category:Onion Recipes