Instructions: (Sopa de Habas)

Makes 10 servings. LACTO/VEGAN

This soup is thick with that inimitable, rustic texture of slow-simmered fava beans, deepened with the flavors of roasted tomatoes, garlic and onions, and scented with mint and cilantro. Adding the PASILLA chile condiment is all thats needed to make this hearty bowlful thoroughly Mexican. The tangy richness of the chile against the earthy, ripe fava flavor is one of my favorite combinations. Hulled yellow fava beans are sold in Hispanic markets.

Theyre the same as the brown fava beans found in Italian markets only with the papery brown hull removed.

Place beans in large soup pot. Cover with stock or water and simmer over medium-low heat, partially covered, until very tender and falling apart, about 1 hour. While beans are simmering, roast garlic on ungreased griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until blackened in spots and soft, about 15 minutes. Cool, then slip off papery skins and finely chop. On piece of foil in same skillet, roast onion slices in single layer, turning once, until richly browned and soft, 6 to 7 minutes per side. Dice onion.

Roast tomatoes 4 inches below very hot broiler or in foil-lined skillet until blackened on one side, about 6 minutes. Flip and roast other side. Cool, then peel and chop, saving all juice.

Add garlic, onion and tomatoes to beans. Simmer until beans are consistency of a coarse puree, about 30 minutes.

While soup is simmering, cut chiles into 1/8-inch slivers using kitchen shears, Heat oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add chiles; stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat; add vinegar, water, oregano and scant 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let stand at least 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally.

Just before serving, add a little stock or water to soup, if necessary, to reach desired consistency. Stir in cilantro and mint. Season with remaining salt to taste. Ladle soup into warm bowls. Spoon about a tablespoon of chile condiment into center, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with cheese if using.

Makes 10 servings.

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