I'm calling this "Black Bean Soup with Smoked Sausage & Sweet Potatoes," but the real name of this recipe is "Black Bean Soup with REINDEER Sausage & Sweet Potatoes." I just don't have access to reindeer sausage where I live, and I'm guessing that may be the case for many of you who are watching. I came upon this recipe on my recent trip to Alaska. While visiting a close friend of mine, who now lives in North Kenai, I browsed through one of her cookbooks called, "Alaska from Scratch." The photography in it was gorgeous. The recipes all looked scrumptious. And best of all, I loved the personal stories that were so beautifully woven throughout the book. It was written by Maya Wilson. She's a chef, a food blogger, and a food columnist. As soon as I returned home, I made one of her soups, and it was so good, I decided to contact her directly and ask her permission to share this recipe with you. I was so thrilled when she got back to me right away with a "yes!" So, if you happen to have some reindeer sausage in your freezer, pull it out, or just grab your favorite smoked sausage (beef, chicken, or turkey) and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious and satisfying savory soups anywhere.
Heat large pot or dutch oven on stove with burner set to medium-high heat. Add in 1 Tbsp. cooking oil, then cook sliced sausage until browned. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes, or until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Toss the sweet potato in the pot and add the chili powder, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the sausage and vegetables are coated with the seasonings.
Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, and black beans. Stir, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
Turn off the heat. Add the cilantro and lime juice. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed. Serve hot with sour cream, corn chips and more chopped cilantro, with lime wedges on the side.