Meaty ‘Cuban Black Bean’ Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry black beans
• 2 cups water
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1 inch strips
• 4 (3.5 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sherry
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the beans with the water and let soak overnight. Beans will double in size so be sure to use a large enough bowl. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans.

In a large pot over high heat, combine the beans, chicken, sausage, bay leaves, cumin, onion, garlic and sherry. Add enough water to cover all ingredients.

Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until beans are tender. Add tomato paste to soup and stir until dissolved.