Black Bean Soup

Directions

1. 1
   1.
2. 2
   Pick over beans to remove any dirt, stones or foreign objects.
3. 3
   Wash well, then soak for 8 hours in ample cold water.
4. 4
   2.
5. 5
   Place beans and soaking liquid in a large saucepan with 1/3 bay leaf and bring to a boil over high heat.
6. 6
   Skim off foam, lower heat, and simmer, partially covered, till beans are just tender, about 1 hour.
7. 7
   3.
8. 8
   Add onion and continue to cook until onion melts into liquid, about 1 more hour.
9. 9
   4.
10. 10
    Add salt to taste and garlic.
11. 11
    Continue to cook, adding a little boiling water if necessary, until beans are very soft and start to melt into liquid, about 1-2 hours more.
12. 12
    5.
13. 13
    Remove bay leaf and turn off heat.
14. 14
    Ladle beans in batches into blender or food processor and puree or use an immersion blender and puree soup directly in the saucepan.
15. 15
    6.
16. 16
    Add dry mustard powder and dry sherry.
17. 17
    Correct seasoning.
18. 18
    Reheat and serve, adding any garnishes you wish, such as slices of lemon or freshly chopped herbs.