Modern Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried Black Beans (About 2 cups)
• 8 cups Water
• 1 medium Small Onion (Chopped)
• 2 Celery Stalks (Chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.125 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• 0.03125 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Pinch)
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 1.5 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. 2Drain and rinse the soaked black beans. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Add the drained black beans and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
4. 4In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a few tablespoons of the hot soup liquid until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
5. 5Stir in the salt, pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.