Black Bean Soup

A great buffet soup-eveyone puts the finishing touches on his own.

2 c. dry black beans
8 cups water
2 c. chopped onions
one half cup chopped celery
one half cup chopped carrots
1 tsp. Salt or to taste

Garnishes:
Chopped boiled egg
Minced onion
Finely diced green pepper
Crumbled bacon
Toasted croutons
Chopped cucumber

Wash beans and combine with water. Bring to boil and cook 2 minutes. Set aside 1 hour. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 2 hours. Puree the beans and liquid. Bring soup to simmer and taste for salt. Add chicken stock or water if too thick. Pass the garnishes and let each guest add their own.
Serves 6