Cuban Black Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried black beans
1 c. onion, minced
1 c. bell pepper, minced
1/4 c. tomato paste
1/2 c. red wine
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. pepper
1 c. smoked ham, chopped
4 bay leaves
salt to taste
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Sort and wash the beans.
Put into large pan and pour 8 cups of water over beans.
Boil gently until soft; takes about 2 hours. Add all other ingredients, except cilantro.
Continue to boil gently until soup is thick.
Serves 8.