Black Bean Soup With Lime

From gourmet, january 1995.

In a 5-quart kettle simmer ham hock in 3 quarts water , covered , 1 hour.

Add beans , onion , and bay leaf and simmer , uncovered , 1 hour , or until beans are just tender.

Stir in tomatoes with juice , salt , and remaining cup water and simmer soup 45 minutes , or until beans are tender.

Soup may be made 1 day ahead , cooled completely , and chilled , covered.

Remove ham hock and reserve for another use.

Discard bay leaf and stir in lime juice to taste.

Divide soup among 8 bowls and garnish with lime slices.

ham hock, water, dried black beans, red onion, bay leaf, whole canned tomatoes, salt, fresh lime juice, lime slice