In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, and cumin to the pot. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the soaked beans, bay leaves, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for 1-2 hours or until they are tender.
Add the smoked meat and sausage to the pot, if using, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Add the vinegar to the pot and stir well.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Soak the beans overnight to reduce the cooking time and to help them cook evenly.Brown the meat before adding it to the pot to enhance its flavor.If you're using canned beans, rinse them before adding them to the pot to remove any excess salt.To thicken the soup, you can add mashed potatoes or cornmeal.