Venezuelan Black Bean Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Black beans, 1 pound (soaked overnight)
• Onion, 1 medium (chopped)
• Bell pepper, 1 medium (chopped)
• Celery, 2 stalks (chopped)
• Garlic, 4 cloves (minced)
• Cumin, 2 teaspoons
• Oregano, 1 teaspoon
• Cilantro, 1/2 cup (chopped)
• Chicken broth, 4 cups
• Tomato paste, 1/4 cup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

2-3 hours

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Rinse and drain the soaked black beans.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the black beans, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional).

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Protein: 15 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Smoky and earthy notes
• Creamy and satisfying
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans

User Comments:

• "This soup was absolutely delicious! The flavors were so complex and satisfying."
• "I loved the addition of cumin and oregano, it really gave the soup a unique flavor."
• "The soup was easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner."
• "I served it with rice and avocado, it was the best Venezuelan Black Bean Soup I've ever had."
• "I'm not usually a fan of bean soups, but this one impressed me. It was so hearty and flavorful."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Soak the beans overnight for best results.
• If you don't have time to soak the beans, you can use quick-soak method: cover the beans with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour before draining and continuing with the recipe.
• If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth as needed.
• Serve the soup with a variety of toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or grated cheese.