Ingredients

  • 1 16-ounce package (about 2 1/2 cups) dried black beans
  • 6 bacon slices, chopped
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped leeks
  • 10 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 cup (packed) chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/3 cup (packed) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 jalapeno chili, minced
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • Additional chopped fresh cilantro
  • Additional chopped tomato

Method

  • Place beans in large bowl.
  • Add enough water to cover by 3 inches.
  • Let stand overnight.
  • Drain well.
  • Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until brown but still soft, about 4 minutes.
  • Add celery, onion, carrots and leeks and saute until vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
  • Add beans, chicken broth, tomato, 1/2 cup cilantro, parsley, garlic, jalapeno, vinegar, cumin and coriander.
  • Bring to boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer soup until beans are very tender, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.
  • Working in batches, transfer soup to blender and process until slightly chunky puree forms.
  • Return soup to pot.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
  • Cover and refrigerate.
  • Bring to simmer before continuing.)
  • Mix sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice and 1/2 cup cilantro in small bowl.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle soup into bowls.
  • Place dollop of sour cream mixture atop soup.
  • Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and chopped tomato.