Black Bean Pumpkin Soup

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This is a delicious soup from larry's market, a gourmet grocery store in the seattle area. It's a perfect first-course soup for company.

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Steps

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In a food processor coarsely puree beans and tomatoes.

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In a 6-quart heavy kettle cook onion , shallot , garlic , cumin , salt , and pepper in butter over moderate heat , stirring , until onion is softened and beginning to brown.

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Stir in bean puree.

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Stir in broth , pumpkin , and sherry until combined and simmer , uncovered , stirring occasionally , 25 minutes , or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

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Just before serving , add ham and vinegar and simmer soup , stirring , until heated through.

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Season soup with salt and pepper.

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Serve soup garnished with sour cream and toasted pumpkin seeds.

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Ingredients

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black beans, tomatoes, onions, shallot, garlic cloves, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, unsalted butter, beef broth, pumpkin puree, dry sherry, cooked ham, sherry wine vinegar, sour cream, pumpkin seeds