Cooking with Paprika: Black Bean Soup with Red Paprika Sauce

By Judy Monroe
Published on February 10, 2010

<p>
<em>Serves 8<br />
</em>
<br />
This lovely soup can also be a vegetarian entrée. The colorful sauce features both paprika and fresh red peppers.</p>
<p>• 1 pound dried black beans<br />
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil<br />
• 2 cups chopped onions<br />
• 3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
• 2 ribs celery, chopped<br />
• 2 tablespoons sweet or semisweet ­Hungarian paprika<br />
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes<br />
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin<br />
• 2 bay leaves<br />
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper<br />
• 8 cups water<br />
• 1 cup corn kernels<br />
• Red Paprika Sauce (below)<br />
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro</p>
<p>1. Pick over and rinse the beans. Soak them overnight in water to cover, or bring the beans and water to a boil, cover, turn off the heat, and soak for 1 hour. Drain.</p>
<p>2. Heat the oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, celery, and paprika. Sauté 5 minutes, stirring. Add the beans, tomatoes, cumin, bay leaves, black pepper, and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Add the corn and simmer 5 minutes, just until tender. Top with Red Paprika Sauce (below) and garnish with cilantro.</p>
<p>
<strong>Red Paprika Sauce</strong>
</p>
<p>• 1 pound red bell peppers (about 4 ­medium-sized), chopped<br />
• 4 scallions, chopped<br />
• 1 tablespoon sweet, semisweet, or hot ­Hungarian paprika<br />
• 2 teaspoons salt<br />
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice</p>
<p>1. Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender until thick. Refrigerate until ready to use.</p>
<p>
<hr />
<p>
<em>Judy Monroe is a St. Paul, Minnesota-based freelance writer on a variety of health- and food-­related topics. She has written fourteen books for children, teens, and adults, including three cookbooks.</em>
</p>
<p>Click here for the main article, <a href=”https://www.motherearthliving.com/cooking-methods/paprika.aspx”>
<strong>Cooking with Paprika</strong>
</a>.</p>

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