* Exported from MasterCook * Black Bean Soup with Rum Recipe By : Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Soups Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- -----SOUP----- 2 cups Onion -- Chopped 1 cup Celery -- Chopped 6 Parsley 2 Fresh Thyme 1 Bay Leaf 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter 1 Large Ham Hock 2 cups Dried Black Beans 6 cups Beef Broth 1/3 cup Dark Rum Lemon Juice To Taste -----GARNISHES----- Eggs, Hard-Cooked -- Chopped Fresh Parsley -- Chopped Lemon Slices The night before, soak beans in cold water to cover by 2 inches. Change water at least once. Drain and rinse. In a heavy kettle, cook onion, celery, parlsey, thyme, and bay leaf in the butter over medium low heat, stirring, for 10 minutes. Add ham hock, beans, broth, 4 cups water, salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, adding more water if necessary to keep beans covered, for 3 3 hours. Discard ham hock and bay leaf. Put the mixture through a medium disk of a food mill into a large bowl and then return it to the kettle. Stir in rum, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with hot water and garnish for serving with the eggs , parsley and lemon slices. Makes about 7 cups. A 1971 Gourmet Magazine Favorite. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -