Nutritional Black Bean Soup

I never cook black bean soup at home when i used to work since i seldom cook then and i have plenty of other soup recipe, it just never came to my mind of making this soup.  Till lately i became a full time stay at home mum and the new 'chef' at home who has to cook daily, i run out of soup recipe and thought of perhaps to make the black bean soup.

I was a bit worry if my two litter lovers will reject the soup since it was so dark in colour, luckily they didn't.  And I was surprised to learn that black beans are in fact a super nourishment food that has many nutritional value and health benefits, to name a few as below:

• Rich in antioxidants (prevent cancer and aging)
• High fiber (aid digestion and prevent constipation)
• Contain folate and magnesium (protect against heart disease, aids the blood, oxygen and nutrients flow in the body)
• Excellent source of protein 
• Good source of Vitamin B1 & iron
• Low in calories and fat free
• Outstanding support for blood sugar balance and regulation

Black bean soup is certainly a good choice to warm up on cold winter days or anytime of the year to enjoy its nutrition essence.

Ingredients:

• 200g black beans
• Pork ribs or pork meat
• 6 red dates
• 2L water
• a dash of salt

Step:

1. Rinse the black beans under cool running water and soak the black beans with water in a bowl
2. Thoroughly clean the pork ribs/meat, rinse it with hot boiling water
3. Bring 2L of water to boil in a pot, add the pork ribs/meat and black beans 
4. Cook and simmer under medium-low heat for 1.5 hours
5. Add the red dates, continue to cook for another 15-20mins
6. Add a dash of salt and stir well
7. Serve warm 

Notes:

• Red dates may be added together with the pork ribs and black beans in step 3 if don't mind a heavier red dates taste