Meatless Friday: Black Bean Soup

Catholic Relief Services is graciously sharing some of its favorite simple meatless recipes from around the world with the CatholicMom.com community. These recipes come from countries all over the world where families are in need. As we eat our meatless dinner on Friday, let us remember those who do not have enough to eat in our prayers and by our deeds. --Barb Szyszkiewicz

CRS Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program for families and faith communities. Through CRS Rice Bowl, we hear stories from our brothers and sisters in need worldwide and devote our Lenten prayers, fasting and gifts to change the lives of the poor.  Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.

Black Bean Soup

A recipe from the Dominican Republic

• 3 cans black beans, drained
• 2 tbsp fair trade olive oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 green or red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 3 cups water
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice

Sauté onions, peppers, garlic and celery in oil until soft. Stir in oregano and bay leaves and cook for 1 minute. Add water and drained beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. When soup begins to thicken, remove from heat, remove bay leaves and stir in salt and pepper to taste. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash some of the beans to thicken the soup a bit. Adjust seasoning and serve with rice.

Makes 4 servings.

Copyright 2014 Catholic Relief Services