Meaty 'Cuban Black Bean' Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups dry black beans
• 2 cups water
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch strips
• 4 (3.5 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sherry
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste