Venezuelan Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

• tablespoon svegetable oil
• small onion, diced
• leek, finely chopped
• clove sgarlic, minced
• cup swater
• cup sblack beans, drained
• teaspoon sbrown sugar
• teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• bay leaves
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• cup croutons

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium low heat. Cook and stir onion, leek, and garlic in the hot oil until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add water, black beans, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer until flavors combine, about 20 minutes.
2. Discard bay leaves from the soup. Serve with croutons.

Tips

Use 3 1/2 cups water and 3 1/2 cups chicken broth for extra flavor.