Thick & Rich Red Bean Soup

Ingredients

1 lb kidney beans
2 qt water
1 bay leaf
2 green bell pepper
1/4 c olive oil
4 garlic
1 onion
1 c tomatoes
1 tb wine vinegar
1/2 c dry sherry
1/2 ts oregano
1/2 ts cumin
2 potatoes
1 c butternut squash

Instructions

Olive oil to taste Combine beans, water bell pepper & salt, bring to a boil & simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add more water as needed. SOFRITO: Heat oil in a skillet, saute the garlic, onion & bell pepper till tender. Add tomatoes, vinegar, sherry, oregano, cumin, salt & pepper & cook 10 minutes. When beans are tender, add the sofrito, potatoes & squash. Stir to blend, & cook over a low heat until the potatoes & squash are tender. Either serve as is or puree. Drizzle some olive oil over each serving. Adapted from Randelman & Schwartz, "Memories of a Cuban Kitchen"