Tasty Tuesday: Jamaican Black Bean Soup/Stew

Perfect timing!

Jamaican Black Bean Soup/Stew

• 1 ½ cups dried black beans
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried cumin
• 1 red pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 yellow pepper, seeded and diced
• 4 cups butternut squash, seeded and diced into small cubes
• Vegetable bullion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Soak the beans overnight in cold water.  Rinse and place beans in a large pan of hot boiling water.  Boil on high for 10 minutes.  Drain and return to rinsed pan.

Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and sauté the onions for approximately 4 minutes.  Add the garlic and sauté further 1 minute.  Now add the molasses, sugar, thyme and cumin.  Cook for 1 minute.  Set aside.

Return the black beans to the heat and cover with cold water.  Bring to a boil and add the butternut squash and 2 tablespoons of vegetable bullion powder.  Cook over medium heat for approximately 45 minutes.  Add the onion mixture and peppers and cook a further 25 to 30 minutes or until tender.

Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Must try soon!