Finally the friend in Chicago has coughed up his recipe for red bean soup (he says almonds add a little bitterness but the smell blends in well). I was posting his recipe when I realised something.. the measurements are not metric. Well, use your own judgement ok? :)

ingredients:
1. a bowl of red beans (about .5lb)
2. sago (about .125lb)
3. almonds (about .25lb)
4. sugar to taste

a. soak red beans over night
b. boil about 3 quarts of water
c. add red beans and simmer
d. when the red beans "open" (takes about 2-3h), add sago and simmer until sago turns translucent (takes about 30min). stir occasionally.
e. add almonds and sugar to taste (about 4T per quart or so)
f. simmer for another 15-30min and its done.