Black Bean Soup

12 oz. dried black beans
8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Rinse and sort though black beans, discarding any that are
shriveled or discolored. Place beans in a large stockpot.
Cover beans with water and refrigerate to soak overnight.
Drain beans and return to stockpot.
Add stock and heat to boiling.
Meanwhle, heat olive oil over medium−high heat in a large
skillet. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute until
tender, approximately 5 minutes. Add to stockpot along with
oregano, thyme, bay leaf and cayenne pepper.
Cover stockpot and reduce heat to simmer for 3 to 4 hours.
Transfer soup to blender or food processor and puree to
desired thickness. Just before serving add lime juice and
garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro, if desired.
Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.