Topic: Recipe
Here's a VERY quick recipe with everything you should already have in your pantry and refrigerator--
BLACK BEAN SOUP
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped fine--(OK to chop leaves up too)
2 carrots, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic (can add more!), finely chopped
SAUTE above together until carrots are soft.
Then add,
1 28 oz. can of tomato puree (OR puree in blender, a 28 oz can of diced or whole tomatoes)
1 cup water
1/2 cup strong black coffee (that would be the end of the morning pot)
2 tbsp lime juice (OK to substitute lemon juice)
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground coriander (if you don't have on hand, omit and add to pantry list for next time)
Salt (about 1 tsp or to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper -to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste if you like extra kick
Raise heat to boiling, then reduce heat and continue to simmer about 15 more minutes.
Then, add 2 cans of black beans (rinsed and drained) and heat through.
Finally, run an immersion blender through the soup for a few pulses until solids are partially broken.
The soup is perfect as is, BUT, if you like ham in your bean soup (and lots of people like my husband do)--then put a leftover ham bone in to simmer along with the broth (noting you must be certain to cook previously heated foods up to 165 degrees). Then remove and allow the bone with leftover ham to cool. Then cut off the meat and add to the pot when you add the beans.
OR- if you don't have a ham bone (like me today), you can use a small can of SPAM, chop it into small pieces. toss it in the soup and add a few drops of Liquid Smoke for a nearly identical flavor.
Either with or without meat, top with a dollop or sour cream or yogurt--to keep vegan, use soy yogurt.
Packed with fiber, natural sources of antioxidants protein, and vitamins!
