3 c. dried black beans
3 qts. hot water
1/2 tbsp. salt
1 1/2 c. tomato sauce
2 med. onions
1 c. diced celery
2 med. cloves garlic
3 oz. diced salt pork
3/4 lb. 2" length linguesa
1 lb. cubed pork
1/2 tsp. pepper
3/4 tsp. cumin
1 thinly sliced orange
3 cans seeded green chilies, chopped

Wash and then soak beans in water for four hours. Add salt, tomato sauce, onion, celery, garlic and salt pork. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes. Add green chilies, linguesa (Portuguese sausage), pork, pepper and cumin. Bring back to boil and simmer until beans are tender but still hold shape. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve in bowls with thinly sliced orange floating on top.

The observance of Pan-American Day on April 14 aims to promote cultural, political and economic cooperation between North, South and Central America. Recipes for Bean Soup abound in this area; here's one!