Black Bean Soup from Dried Beans

This is a great recipe for black bean soup--takes a little while to cook, but it's dirt cheap, easy, and makes a whole lot. Tastes pretty good too. From Hillbilly Housewife.

• Ready In: 7 hrs 40 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1  lb dried black beans
• 3  tablespoons  oil
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 4 -6  carrots, sliced
• 4  stalks celery, chopped
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 6  chicken bouillon cubes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Soak the beans as recommended on the package.
2. Drain the beans and cover them with fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat, cover, and gently simmer the beans to simmer gently for one hour. Add water as needed to keep them covered.
4. Once the beans are tender, add the vegetable oil, chopped vegetables and seasonings. Taste and add salt if you think it needs it.
5. Cover the pot and simmer the soup for another 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. When everything is tender, it's ready to serve.