Quick-Draw Black Bean Soup—“Gunslinger” Soup!

Name: Quick-Draw Black Bean Soup—“Gunslinger” Soup!
Yield: serves 4 to 6
Ingredients: 4 ounces ham (not sugar-cured), trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes (optional); One 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained; One 19-ounce can black bean soup; One 14 1/2-ounce can chicken broth; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; Salt and ground black pepper to taste; Chopped green onion tops or chopped fresh cilantro, to garnish

January 24, 2012

Cooks' Note

Canned beans usually have a higher glycemic index than home-cooked dried black beans, but we provide this quick-on-the-draw recipe for those occasions when you just don’t have time to start from scratch. Take care to rinse and drain the beans well to ensure that no metallic taste from the can lingers. If you do have some cooked black beans on hand and would prefer to use them (see pages 25–27 for directions on soaking and cooking dried beans), substitute 2 cups for the canned beans in the recipe.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.