Paul's Sacramento Black Bean Soup

1 c Onion -- Chopped, 1 Large

4 Clove Garlic -- Finely Chopped

2 tb Vegetable Oil

1 lb Black Beans -- Dried

2 c Ham -- Smoked, Cooked,

Cubed 6 c Chicken Broth

2 tb New Mexico chile, ground.

1/2 ts Celery seed

1 tb Oregano Leaves -- Dried

2 ts Cumin -- Ground

1 c Celery, chopped

28 oz Whole Tomatoes -- Undrained

1 Chipotle Chile -- *

1/3 c Whipping Cream

2/3 c Dairy Sour Cream

1 Red Bell Pepper -- Chopped

Servings: 8 * Chipotle Chile should be one that has been canned in Adobo Sauce. Cook and stir onion, celery and garlic in 4-quart Dutch oven until onion is tender. Stir in remaining ingredients except Quick Creme Fraiche and Bell pepper; heat to boiling. Boil for 2 minutes; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Pour 1/4 of the soup into food processor

workbowl fitted with steel blade or into blender container, cover and process until smooth. Repeat with remaining soup. Serve with Quick Creme Fraiche and Bell Pepper. QUICK CREME FRAICHE: Gradually stir whipping cream into sour cream. Cover and refrigerate up to 48 hours. Posted by Lois Lang. Courtesy of Fred Peters.