Healthy And Hearty Black Bean Soup

Meet my favorite black bean soup! It takes advantage of canned black beans and comes together quickly. Yet the soup tastes remarkably fresh thanks to the carrots, celery and garlic.

Cumin and a little bit of sherry vinegar (or lime juice) add a Cuban flair that takes it over the top. This lightly creamy black bean soup is packed with flavor.

Ingredients :

• 3 medium carrots, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (30 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• Hot cooked rice

1. Heat olive oil in a large stock-pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat until the oil begins to shimmer.
2. Add onions, celery, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes until vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
4. Add cumin, black beans, vegetable stock, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
5. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 30 minutes until the beans are very tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf. Transfer about 4 cups (900 g) of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, being careful not to splatter hot soup all over yourself and kitchen.
7. Pour blended soup back into the pot and mix to incorporate.
8. Keep over low heat until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh avocado, queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips.
9. Enjoy!