Spicy Black Bean Soup

Why has no one ever told me how delicious black bean soup is? It is seriously delicious. And even though it was so filling, I didn't feel guilty eating it. This soup is nothing more than black beans, spices, a chopped onion, a jalepeno, garlic and chicken stock.

This recipe is definitely becoming a part of my soup repertoire.

Spicy Black Bean Soup (Recipe adapted from this one.)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 (15-ounces) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a 4-to 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. 
2. Saute onion and jalapeno for about 5 minutes. 
3. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and salt and saute for another 2-3 minutes. 
4. Add black beans, chicken stock and bay leaf and simmer, covered. Stir occasionally until soup has thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
5. Transfer 2.5 cups of soup to a food processor and purée . Return to pot and heat, stirring frequently. Discard bay leaf. Season with salt and serve.

Yield: 6 servings