Sopa de Frijoles Negros (Black Bean Soup)

Ingredients

• •1 pound black beans (turtle beans)
• •1 tablespoon of cooking oil
• •1/2 cup of diced onion
• •2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
• •1 chopped green or red bell pepper
• •1/2 cup chopped celery
• •1/2 cup fresh cilantro (use fresh only!)
• •Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. 1Rinse beans, cover with water and soak overnight the next day cook with at least 7 cups of water for 3 hours.
2. 2Add more water if necessary.
3. 3When the beans are almost soft, add cooking oil and the rest of the ingredients.
4. 4Hints for serving: Add fresh lemon juice, Tabasco, sour cream, chives, or green onions to enhance flavor Or add one or two eggs, cook for another 3 minutes and serve with flour or corn tortillas.