Has Bean

Some foods just aren't made to be glamorous or hip for that matter. Take the humble black bean for instance. It's wholesome makings just aren't made up to rival let's say caviar or a fancy chanterelle. But great things can emerge from humble beginnings!

I recently made one of the most un-glamourous dishes in my mind's recipe book: black bean soup. It doesn't look great, it doesn't involve fancy preparation methods, it is about as down-to-earth as you can get. But this simple black bean it is so incredibly tasty and wholesome.
As we rise out of our economy's ashes it's always helpful to note that this is a great recession dish. A pot of soup hardly sets you off any money at all - but the flavours it offers is right up there with any five-star restaurant meal (in my opinion). I assure you, this dish is no has been.

What I put in (Enough for 4):

• 2 cans cooked black beans
  
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 250ml beef stock
• 250ml water
  
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 red paprika, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• Salt to taste
  
• Coriander leaves (to garnish)
  
• sour cream (to garnish)
  

How to make it:
Sweat onions and paprika until onions are translucent. Add beans, spices, chicken stock and water. Bring the soup to a boil and then cover and allow to simmer for about 30 mins.

Serve the soup warm and garnish with coriander and a big dollop of sour cream.