The Coach House's Black Bean Soup

Submitted by JackieOhNo!

"The Coach House Restaurant on Waverly Place in New York City was legendary. It was owned by a Greek, the beloved Leon Lianides, and dedicated to serving classic American food in an era when fine dining spoke French. After suffering ups and downs in its later years, it closed for good in 1993, and Mr. Lianides died in 1998. But there are plenty of New Yorkers who still grow misty-eyed at the thought of the Coach House corn sticks, the black bean soup with Madeira and -- sweetest memory of all -- the mocha dacquoise. I had acquired the black bean soup recipe back in the early 80's, and decided to post it here for posterity, and for those who might remember it fondly. Beware, though, that there is nothing quick about making this soup."

 

• Ready In: 14hrs
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 3 cups black beans
• 3 quarts water (for cooking)
• 5 slices bacon, cut in small pieces
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 lbs beef bones
• 1 smoked ham, shank with rind split
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 sprigs Italian parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, cut in half
• 2 parsnips, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups madeira wine
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine

directions

1. Wash beans in a colander. Put in a bowl. Cover with cold water and let soak overnight, refrigerated.
2. Drain and wash again.
3. In a large casserole, combine drained beans with the 3 quarts of water. Cover and simmer for 90 minutes.
4. In a heavy kettle, saute bacon a few minutes, then add celery and onion and cook until tender. Do not brown.
5. Add beef bones, ham shank, remaining herbs and vegetables and pepper. Add beans and their cooking liquid. Cover and simmer for 3-4 hours, until beans are very tender. Add more water if necessary.
6. Remove bones and ham. Puree soup in a food mill. Return to pot, add Madeira and chopped eggs. Mix well and serve.

Reviews

[chris0m]

I clipped this Coach House BB Soup recipe from the NYDaily News more than 25 years ago and enjoyed it several times in my youth. Having lost that original clipping years ago, I am thrilled to have found this recipe again here. Recently made this soup again and it's exactly as I remembered it. Nutritious and tasty winter meal!! Don't forget to add the Madeira and hard-boiled eggs as they really make the dish.

 

[Sydney Mike]

Made this as a very special entree to take to a park-wide potluck, as much because it was something unexpected at a potluck as for the fact that I was so sure it would really be something that others would rave about, & I was so right on both accounts! A lot of preparation, for sure, but well worth the effort, I thought, & those who sampled it were very pleased, as well! [Made & reviewed in Newest Zaar recipe tag]