I was making this recipe long before it became popular with the masses. It has great flavor. And remember that beans are full of protein so it’s a good meal during the corona virus self-isolation period. Serve the soup with cornbread and a salad for a complete meal.

Black Bean Soup

1 lb. dried black beans

2 cups wataer

¼ lb. salt pork

1 cup onion, chopped

1 1/3 cups green peppers, chopped

¼ tsp. your favorite hot sauce

½ tsp. ground cumin

6 cups chicken broth

2 small ham hocks

1 bay leaf

½ cup celery, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ tsp. Pepper

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Wash beans, place in large pot. Cover with water 2 inches above beans and let soak at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain. Add chicken broth, 2 cups water, ham hocks, salt pork and bay leaf to bean. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 1-1/2 hours. Remove ham hocks and salt pork. Add onion and remaining ingredients, cover and simmer 2 hours. Partially mash beans with a potato masher. Serve in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream in the middle. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of sour cream.