1 lb. black dried beans
2 qts. water
Ham bone or chopped ham is optional
2 lg. onions
3 ribs celery
1 lg. can crushed tomatoes
1 green pepper
1 tbsp. paprika
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. dry mustard
3 cloves garlic
1 can chicken broth
1 tbsp. oregano
1/2 c. sherry
1 tbsp. sugar
Sour cream
Additional qt. chicken broth

Soak beans in water overnight and rinse. Add beans to 2 quarts water and simmer 3 to 4 hours until beans are very soft. Chop and saute onion, celery, garlic and pepper, add to beans. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, ham, paprika, chili powder, cumin, dry mustard, oregano, sherry, and sugar.

Simmer 1 hour. Let cool. Puree entire mixture in food processor. Return to heat, simmer 1/2 hour. Test for seasoning and density. Add more chicken broth if needed. Simmer 1 hour. Comments: Serve with dollop of sour cream.