Black Bean and Potato Soup

Featured in almost every Nicoyan meal, black beans contain high levels of anthocyanins, the important flavonoids in red onions and blueberries, and have 10 times the antioxidants of an equivalent serving of oranges. These hearty, one-pot meals are staples in Costa Rican kitchens, but should also find their place on the American dinner table. They are easy to make, high in nutritious vegetables and spices, and cost less than $1 a serving. Rich and hearty, they will serve as a main meal paired with corn tortillas or rice. You can do as the Nicoyans do—make a large batch of bean soup and then enjoy it all week.

Makes 10 servings | Active Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Chef's Notes

Culantro coyote, also known as fitweed, Mexican coriander, bhandhanya, and ngò gai, is an herb related to cilantro, but it has a much stronger flavor. Native to Mexico and South America, it’s cultivated and used around the world in Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian cooking. You can find it in Mexican and Southeast Asian grocery stores.

Cilantro has a stronger smell and flavor when uncooked, while culantro has a stronger flavor and smell after it’s cooked. So use culantro coyote at the start of making a stew or picadillo, and use cilantro toward the end to finish the dish. If you can’t find culantro coyote, use more cilantro (at least double), and possibly the addition of other aromatics like onion, parsley, and mint.

Step 1: Making the Soup

1⁄2 chayote squash (about 1 cup), diced
1⁄2 large carrot, peeled and minced
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2 teaspoons chopped culantro coyote*
1 small sweet onion (like Vidalia), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
2 pounds black beans, cooked (or six 15-ounce cans, drained)
Salt and pepper (optional)

In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients. Bring stock to a boil; then lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes.

Take 2 cups of soup and blend in a blender or with immersion blender, until combined but still chunky. Add back into soup pot and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot with rice, corn tortillas, or crusty bread; or top with a dollop of cashew cream

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