Black Bean Soup

I have a terrible cold and wanted to make something for dinner that was simple but tasty. My entire family loved this soup. It was quick and easy to make and tasted so delicious. Don't leave out the cilantro - it really made this soup complete.

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 3/4 sweet yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
• 5 cups of chicken stock OR vegetable stock (I used chicken)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 14 oz cans of black beans, rinsed & drained, (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tbsp corn starch (combined with a bit of cold stock - mixed thoroughly) (optional)

Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot add onion, bell pepper and carrots, saute until slightly tender. Add garlic and stir frequently for 45 seconds. Add stock, seasonings and half of the beans. Cook over medium low heat for 1-2 hours. Remove bay leaf, and blend using an immersion blender. Add the remainder of the beans and corn starch slurry if you desire a thicker soup (make sure the soup is boiling when adding the corn starch). Taste and re-season if necessary.

• Cilantro, chopped
• Cotija cheese, shredded

Garnish the soup with chopped cilantro and shredded cotija cheese. Enjoy.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe