Black Bean Soup with Bananas (via Jacques Pepin)

INGREDIENTS   

• 1 pound dried black beans
• 2 quarts water
• 1 quart chicken stock
• ½ cup brown or white rice
• ½ t. cumin
• ½ t. chili powder
• 1 t. salt
• 1 bunch of cilantro stems, roughly chopped
• 2 cups salsa or canned tomatoes
• 5-6 garlic cloves
• 1 leek, roughly chopped  
• 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch piece 

DIRECTIONS   

1. Remove and discard any damaged beans or debris, and wash the remaining beans well in cool water.
   
2. Drain the beans, put them in a stainless steel pot with the chicken stock,water, herbs, and rice. Bring to a boil over high heat, uncovered (this will take about 20 minutes), stirring occasionally. Skim off and discard any foam that rises to the top. Reduce the heat to very low, cover, and cook for 1 hour.
3. Add salt cilantro, salsa, garlic, leek and onion and cook an additional hour.
   
4. Add more chicken stock or water if too thick.
5. Garnish with chopped bananas or chopped eggs with onions, olive oil, red wine vinegar and splash of Tabasco.

Recipe Image: Comfy Cuisine