World Famous Recipes

Black Bean Gazpacho

2 cups (500 ml) dried black beans
8 cups (2 L) water
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Garnishes:
Peeled, seeded, and diced cucumber
Green and/or red bell peppers, seeded and diced
Fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced
Hard-cooked eggs, chopped
Chopped scallions (spring onions)
Crumbled crisp bacon
Toasted croutons

Combine the beans, water, onion, carrot, and celery in a pot
and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer
covered until the beans are tender, about 2 hours. Puree the
soup in batches in an electric blender or food processor and
adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot
or chilled with any or all of the garnishes to be added by the
diners at the table. Serves 6 to 8.