BLACK BEAN SOUP

BLACK BEAN SOUP

3/4 lb. black beans
1 1/2 qt. cold water
2 oz. salt pork (optional)
3/4 lb. hamhock or bone of smoke ham
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 green peppers, chopped
1/2 c. bacon drippings or olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp. salt
1/8 tsp. oregano
1/4 c. vinegar

Wash beans. Soak overnight. Add salt pork, ham hock and simmer over low heat. Saute onions, garlic, green pepper in bacon drippings until tender. Add to beans. Season with bay leaves, salt and oregano. Simmer until beans are tender and thick, approximately 3 hours. Add vinegar just before serving. Serve over rice with finely chopped onion on top.