Black Bean Soup

I used this recipe as the inspiration for my black bean soup. I made a few alterations, mainly cooking my own black beans rather than using canned beans. Also, for dairy-free eaters, no sour cream. I also used the chicken broth that I made last year that was in my freezer. And I altered the garnish for the top. I made my simple garnish out of green onion, cilantro and lime juice.

Ingredients

·         6 slices bacon, chopped

·         1 large onion, diced

·         3 cloves garlic, minced

·         2 cups chicken broth

·         pinch of dried oregano

·         pinch of cayenne pepper

·         1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

·         salt to taste

·         2 (14.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

·         14 1/2 fluid ounces water

·         1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

·          

·     Garnish:

·         1/3 cup minced green onion

·         chopped cilantro

·         juice of 1 lime

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·    

Directions

1.      Place bacon in a cold pot. Turn heat to medium, cook and stir until the bacon is cooked but not crisp.

2.      Stir in onion; cook and stir for 5 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and golden.

3.      Stir in garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes. Add chicken stock, turn heat to medium-high. Stir in oregano, cayenne and salt. Add black beans and water. Return to a simmer.

4.      Simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes. While it's cooking, mash about half the beans to thicken the soup.

5.      Stir in black pepper and cumin. Add salt to taste.

HERE is a slightly humorous video of how to make the quick and easy black bean soup.