SMOKY BLACK-BEAN SOUP WITH SAUSAGE

Smoky Black-Bean Soup with Sausage image

Provided by Sarah Carey

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 links andouille sausage (6 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (1 heaping cup)
1 bunch scallions, sliced (1 cup)
1/4 cup thinly sliced celery (from 1 stalk), plus leaves for serving
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes with chiles, such as Muir Glen
2 cans (each 15 ounces) black beans
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons sour cream, for serving
Watercress, for serving (optional)

Steps:

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high; add sausage and cook, stirring, until crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add scallions, celery, and thyme to pan; cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; bring to a boil and cook 3 minutes. Drain and rinse one can of beans, leaving the second in its liquid; add both to pan with 1 cup water.
Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes. If desired, remove 1 cup of mixture and purée in a blender or food processor until smooth, about 15 seconds, then return to pan. Season with salt and pepper.
Top each serving with cooked sausage, a dollop of sour cream, and a small handful of watercress. Sprinkle with pepper and celery leaves; serve.