Delicious Black Bean Soup

Black Beans are a wonderful source of protein. I have grown to love them these past few years. Tom is crazy for black beans and will eat them straight out of the can cold when he gets hungry after a work-out or after doing yard work.

My favorite way to enjoy Black Beans is in a soup and my post today is the recipe I love the most.

*Quick Tip - ways to enjoy this soup. You can garnish your black bean soup with a large spoonful of sour cream and avocado as shown here or you can add 2 eggs right into the soup pot just before serving. The heat will poach the eggs inside the soup. You can do one egg for each serving along with a toasted or grilled tortilla.

You also can add a fresh tomato salsa if you like.

Ingredients:

2-3 cans of Bushes Black Beans (they are the best)

2 cups of water

2 stalks of celery - chopped

1 large red onion - chopped

1 small red Chile - deseeded and chopped

1 red pepper - chopped

1 yellow pepper - chopped

3 garlic cloves -chopped fine

1/2 bunch fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

*stalks of fresh parsley - chop the end stalks for the soup leaving the top for garnish. You can use cilantro instead if you prefer

4 TBL Olive oil

salt & black pepper

Directions

In a large soup pot add the olive oil and place on medium high heat.

Once the oil is hot add in all your chopped vegetables. *I do celery first, then the red onion, peppers and cook for 5 minutes. Then I add the chopped Chile, garlic, the bay leaves & fresh herbs.

When the vegetables are just tender - add the black beans with their juices. Add a good pinch of salt and black pepper.

Stir well and when the soup begins a light boil add in the 2 cup of water.

Bring the soup to a rapid boil for 10-12 minutes. Then turn the heat down to a light simmer for approx 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust your seasonings.

*Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the soup.

Use a hand blender and blend the soup on low for just 5-10 seconds. The goal is to give the soup a smooth yet chunky texture.

After the blend if you wish to poach a couple eggs do so at this time. *Be gentle and careful so as to not break the yolk.

Finish your Black Bean soup any way you wish. *See above for ideas.

This is a great soup I know you will love to make over and over again.

ENJOY!!