Black Bean Soup With Ham - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry sherry
1 cup diced cooked ham
salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup sour cream, for garnish

Preparation

In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the beans, broth, and sherry.
Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
Decrease heat to med-low and simmer, partially covered and stirring often, until the flavors are blended, about 15 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, puree 2 cups of the soup, then return to the pan.
Add the diced ham and simmer over medium heat until the ham is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with sour cream and serve.