Paula's Black Bean Soup

BLACK BEAN SOUP

2 c. black beans
1 ham hock
8 c. cold water
1/2 t. salt
3 med. onions, chopped
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 c. butter or olive oil
2/3 c. sherry (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 clove (1 tsp.) garlic, minced
2 green peppers, seeded and chopped finely
1 T. parsley
1/4 t. cumin
1 t. crushed oregano

Wash beans well and place in pot. Cover with water. Soak overnight. Cook in same water. Cover and cook on medium heat. Meanwhile, saute onions and green peppers in sherry and olive oil or butter. Add crushed oregano, bay leaves, parsley, cumin and minced garlic. Add to beans. Add ham hock, salt and black pepper and cook slowly until tender, about 3 hours. Remove ham hock and chip meat. Return meat to beans. Serve with rice, chopped green onions, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.