Xana's Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup

2 Large Spanish Onions rough cut
7 cans of Black Beans...yes you can buy dry and soak overnight but I did not for this.
Between 1/4 and 1/2 cup olive oil. Enough to sauté all the veggies without sticking
One head of Celery. Rough cut including the celery leaves.
3 large green bell peppers. Rough cut
A couple of chopped jalapeno's or a conservative tablespoon of "Green Chili Paste produced by Laxmi. I use the Chili paste. I buy it at Spice Bizarre and it is wonderful stuff. Beware very,very hot. You can always add more. If any of you want a jar, let me know and I can pick you up one next time I go to the Spice Bazaar. It costs approximately 99 cents.
2 Heads of Garlic. Yes heads.
3 Bay LeavesOne Bunch of Cilantro with stems
8 cups vegetable broth
A healthy hand full of cumin seeds, toasted and ground.
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Finish with: Green onion, cilantro and lime peppered sour cream. I used the juice of three limes for a container of sour cream.

Heat oil and add onion, celery, green pepper and garlic. Sauté for around 10-15 minutes.Add beans, broth, cilantro and chilies in whatever form you choose.Cook for about an hour or so. If time permits, let it sit for an hour or so after it is cooked. The flavors marry and the beans have more time to thicken and give the soup more of that smokey nutty taste.Discard Bay Leaves and puree. Finish with lime sour cream with green onions and cilantro.

Now you need to invite your friends over because you have just make soup for a small city:)