Sopa De Dexter

Cuban-inspired soup that is perfect for watching your favourite vigilante serial killer on television. Or if you're just in the mood for Cuban!

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 1 pot

Ingredients

• 2  chorizo sausages, sliced on a bias (smoked sausage is good too)
• 4  ounces bacon, diced (or salt pork)
• 2  small onions, small dice
• 5  garlic cloves
• 1  stalk celery, small dice
• 1⁄2 green pepper, small dice
• 3  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1  cup dried black beans, soaked (navy beans work too)
• 1  teaspoon  chopped fresh oregano
• 1  teaspoon cumin
• 1  tablespoon lime juice or 1  tablespoon red wine vinegar
•  salt, to taste
•  pepper
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  teaspoon paprika
• 1  bay leaf
• 1 -1 1⁄2 cup squash, cubed, peeled (1/2-1 inch cubes)
• 1  medium potato, cut in 1-2 inch chunks
• 1  cup  shredded cabbage

Directions

1. In a pot, cook diced bacon.
2. Add onion, celery and pepper, cook until slightly softened. Add garlic, and cook for a minute or so.
3. Add Chorizo and brown lightly.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then add about 8 – 10 cups of water, as much as you like, really, but that’s a good starting point.
5. Give it a good stir to make sure all the tomato paste is dissolved.
6. Add beans, oregano, cumin and lime juice or vinegar, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until beans are softened, or just about.
7. Then stir in squash, potatoes and cabbage. Cover loosely with lid ajar, and let simmer until they are tender, but not falling apart when you test the potatoes and squash with a knife.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve. Preferably with some thick, crusty bread.