Vegan Cocoa-Black Bean Soup

1 . Stage

Place black beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak, 8 hours to overnight.

2 . Stage

Drain the soaked beans and rinse. Transfer to a soup pot and add 4 cups water or enough to cover; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour, adding bell pepper during the last 15 minutes. Check beans occasionally to make sure they are still covered in water; add more if necessary.

3 . Stage

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a deep frying pan. Add onions and garlic; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and saute for about 3 more minutes. Remove as much bean broth from the soup pot as possible and add it to the frying pan; simmer this mixture until it thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Add this mixture to the soup pot.

4 . Stage

Mix cocoa and sugar together in a small bowl, adding some broth and stirring until smooth. Add this mixture to the soup pot along with 4 cups water, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until soup thickens, about 30 minutes, adding water if too much of the liquid cooks away.

5 . Stage

Remove bay leaves. Puree soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in vinegar and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and serve.