Black Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb black beans
4 1/2 cups water
1/4 lb bacon
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks celery, minced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon ground pepper
8 cups chicken broth or 8 cups beef broth
salt

Preparation

Soak beans overnight in the water OR bring to boil then let stand for 1 hour; drain.
Cook bacon in heavy, large pot over medium heat until golden brown and crisp, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
Mix in garlic, celery, carrot, onion, jalapeno and bay leaf.
Cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne and pepper.
Stir until aromatic, about 1 minute.
Add beans and broth.
Cook at a slow boil until beans are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
I have used more broth to make it a soup.
Season with salt.
Mustard's serves these beans topped with chopped red onions, a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives.