Chipotle Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Directions

Add the chopped bacon to a large pot set over medium-low heat. Cook until bacon pieces are crisp. Remove pieces with a slotted spoon, leaving as much bacon fat behind as possible. Turn off heat and drain bacon pieces on paper towels. While bacon cooks, add the black beans, their liquid, chicken stock, one chipotole chile, and the adobo sauce to a blender. Process until smooth. Add the the garlic, half of the onion, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Puree again until smooth, about 30 seconds. Turn the heat of the pot to medium and pour in the pureed bean mixture. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the soup thickens and darkens, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the beans don't stick to the bottom. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped onion, sliced chipotle, crema, and fresh lime juice.