Columbia Restaurant Black Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• Black beans 2 cups Dried, rinsed and soaked overnight
• Olive oil 2 tablespoons Preferably extra virgin
• Yellow onion 1 medium Finely chopped
• Garlic cloves 3 cloves Minced
• Green bell pepper 1 small Diced
• Celery stalks 2 stalks Diced
• Bay leaves 2 leaves Whole
• Ground cumin 1 teaspoon Freshly ground if possible
• Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon Adds a subtle smoky undertone
• Chicken or vegetable broth 6 cups Use low sodium for better control of salt
• Tomato paste 2 tablespoons Concentrated for richness
• Fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons Adds brightness and balance
• Salt To taste Adjust at the end
• Black pepper To taste Freshly ground
• Chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons For garnish