For true Southwestern flavor, squeeze lime juice over each portion of soup just before serving and place tortilla chips alongside. Buy the cooked ham from the deli counter, or leave it out altogether for a vegetarian version.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4 as a main course

　　1 piece (8 ounces) cooked ham in one 1/2-inch-thick slice

　　1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as safflower

　　1 small red onion, finely chopped

　　1 jalapeño chile, finely chopped (ribs and seeds removed for less heat, if desired), plus more for garnish (optional)

　　4 garlic cloves, minced

　　1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

　　1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

　　3 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed

　　4 cups water, plus more if needed

　　1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, plus sprigs for garnish (optional)

　　

Step 1

In a large pot, cook ham over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.

　　

Step 2

Reduce heat to medium, and add oil. Cook onion, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Add jalapeño, garlic, cumin, and oregano; cook, stirring, until fragrant and garlic is tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Add beans and the water; simmer 10 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Remove from heat; stir in cilantro leaves. Using an immersion or regular blender (see page 363; work in batches so as not to fill jar of blender more than halfway), puree mixture until smooth. Add more water to thin soup, if needed. At this point, soup can be refrigerated up to 3 days in an airtight container; let cool completely before storing. (Refrigerate ham in a separate container.) Reheat gently before serving.

　　

Step 4

To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Cut ham into 1/2-inch cubes; sprinkle over soup. Garnish with finely chopped jalapeño and cilantro sprigs, as desired.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.