I ate my first bowl of black bean soup here in February 1974.
Joe Allen restaurant, 326 West 46th St. NYC
The Actors Company (http://www.mckellen.com/stage/index6.htm) was performing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for five glorious but freezing weeks. After the performance each night we would get on the subway at Flatbush Avenue and ride back into Manhattan to eat late.
Joe Allen in the theatre district was a favourite stop. It was reasonably priced and at that time of night packed with fellow actors, noisily “coming down” from “the show”. It was heaven!
Their french fries and the black bean soup were favourites; they were cheap and helped restore the energy level after a three hour performance.
1/2 lb black beans–soaked for 8 hours (discard water afterwards)
(Soaking the dry beans doubles their weight–so if you’re using tinned beans, you need 1 lb/400 gm.)
If you have time it’s worth using dried beans; the water they cook in makes a tasty base for the soup stock.
serves 6
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions–chopped small
4 garlic cloves–peeled and chopped
1 small fresh red chili–seeds removed and chopped
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
16 oz/4oo gm tin of tomatoes–chopped with their juice
1 pint/500 ml of the bean water, to which you add an organic vegetable stock cube dissolved in 4 floz/100 ml of water or 600 ml organic vegetable stock
salt and pepper
Juice of a lime–if you have one
Drain and rinse the beans.
Put them in a saucepan with enough water to cover by a couple of inches.
Bring to the boil and cook at a simmer until tender–about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan and sweat the onions for about 10 minutes until they are soft.
Drain the beans (saving the water for later).
Add the beans, garlic, chilli and the spices to the onions and cook on for a couple of minutes.
Mix in the tomatoes and the stock.
Bring the soup to the boil and let it simmer gently, covered (it can become too thick if left uncovered), for 30 minutes.
Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
I’m going to leave it unliquidised this time –but you can liquidise it all to a smooth finish or liquidise just half of it.
Add a squeeze of lime instead of the more traditional sour cream or yogurt to finish.
Robin Ellis 
YUM!! Looks delicious! Will definitely have to try. Heard your brother, Jack, maybe performing at the BAM next January(?). If so, am going to do my best to see one of the performances!
I don’t know the schedule but, yes–BAM is on the tour.
Hi Robin,
Even though I am not diabetic and have yet to try one of your recipes, I really enjoy reading your musings. Your recipes look yummy and one of these days I will make one and report back!
I am wondering though, if when your book comes out late in the year here in the states, you will be doing a book tour? Specifically in the NY/metro area?
What I must tell you is this: My mother-in-law (who is 91) watches an episode or 2 of Poldark (bet you knew that was coming!?) EVERY NIGHT!!! She’s complained for years that it was never rerun and since she’s gotten the whole set of DVDs, it’s her constant companion for the past FOUR months! This is not someone who sits around and does nothing all day. She has plenty to keep her busy, but Ross is, well you know, I’m sure you’ve heard it all before! I was really happy to be able to view it again after so many years as well.
I’m sure you know to expect a big resurgence in Poldark interest since the release of the whole set.
Your photos of France look so serene and lovely. Keep up the writing!
thanks, amy
Hi Amy! and thanks for the encouraging words–really appreciated. I’m enjoying it, and it helps to get comments like yours.
Say ‘Hi!’ to your mother-in-law. I believe the 2nd series is coming out in November. Thanks again, Robin.
Naiiiiice!
Hi Robin.
This recipe really is close to my heart. My husband passed away at the age of 51 seven years ago. He loved to make a black bean stew in the wintertime—very similar to this one.
We also added cilantro and mozzarella cheese on top.
I made it again recently, and it will always bring a part of him back to me. I will have to try the lime juice, which I have never done.
My mom and mother in law have type 2 diabetes, so I will look for your book when it comes out.
I have been enjoying the Poldark DVD’s again, as well.
Best wishes!
Thanks Genie.
So sorry for your loss–51 is so young.