Black Bean Soup

Name: Black Bean Soup
Yield: Serves 6 (Makes about 9 cups)
Ingredients: 1 pound, dried black beans (2 1/2 cups), rinsed and picked over; 4 ounces, ham steak, trimmed of rind; 2 , bay leaves; 5 cups, water; 1/8 teaspoon, baking soda; 1 teaspoon, table salt; 3 tablespoons, olive oil; 2 , large onions, chopped fine (about 3 cups); 1 , large carrot, chopped fine (about 1/2 cup); 3 ribs, celery, chopped fine (about 1 cup); 1/2 teaspoon, table salt; 5 - 6 medium cloves, garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 1/2 tablespoons); 1/2 teaspoon, red pepper flakes; 1 1/2 tablespoons, ground cumin; 6 cups, low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons, cornstarch; 2 tablespoon, water; 2 tablespoons, lime juice, from 1 to 2 limes; , Lime wedge; Minced fresh, cilantro; Red, onion, finely diced; , Avocado, diced medium; , Sour cream

Main Courses
Beans
Pork
Soups

Appears in Cook's Illustrated January/February 2005, America's Test Kitchen TV

We wanted a soup that had a strong flavor; a rich, dark broth; and perfectly cooked beans.

SERVES 6 (Makes about 9 cups)

TIME 3 hours

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