A hot soup tastes just right in the cold winter months.  It is filling and warms me to the core.  Our Winter Black Bean Soup is simple to make with only few ingredients.   When you use the Mexican style tomatoes and spices you will get a little heat.  To add more heat add a chopped jalapeno pepper.  To cool it down use diced tomatoes and less chili powder.

You can also vary the thickness of the soup by adding a little water if you think it is too thick.  Or try cooling it a little longer without a lid to thicken it.

You can make this soup in 20 minutes if you use canned beans (be sure to rinse them to reduce the sodium).  If you want to save money and really love the sodium prepare dry black beans ahead of time.  Check our step by step instructions.   If your family eats lots of beans you can prepare them and freeze for soups, casseroles, etc.  Canned beans cost about twice as much dry beans.

I serve this soup with carrots and apple slices and milk.  I like to sprinkle a tablespoon of shredded cheese on mine, but nonfat yogurt tastes good with it too.

Winter Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked black beans
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup onion, chopped (about ½ medium onion)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1 can (14.5-ounce) Mexican-style diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice (optional)
• Nonfat yogurt or lowfat sour cream and cilantro
• for garnish (optional)

 Directions:

1. Prepare beans as directed on inside back cover.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook. Stir until onion begins to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add chili powder. Add cumin, if you like. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, and water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes covered.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lime or lemon juice, if you like.
5. Garnish before serving.