Spiced Black Bean Soup

Brooke the Cook in WI's Note:

A black bean soup like no other! Unique and intensely flavored. Warmed pita's make a nice side to this exciting soup.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 onion , chopped
• 1 red bell pepper , diced
• 3 -4 roma tomatoes , diced
• 2 stalks celery , sliced thin
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger , grated
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans , undrained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• ½ teaspoon dried cilantro
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1⁄8; teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄8; teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 tablespoons nonfat sour cream or 4 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro , chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped veggies and saute until onion is translucent.
2. Add ginger and garlic and saute for one more minute, until garlic is fragrant.
3. Add black beans, vegetable broth and the rest of the spices. Bring to boil, then simmer for 30-35 minutes.
4. Optional: If desired, use food processor or blender and puree half of mixture (leaving half 'chunky'), then return to pan and heat through.
5. Top each bowl with 1 tablespoon ff sour cream or ff yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro - even though I love cilantro and sour cream; I happen to enjoy this soup 'as is.'.

Reviews

[TeresaS]

Both DH and I thought this was just OK. We enjoyed the flavor but thought it was on the thin side. We love black bean soup but would suggest either deceasing the broth to 1 cup or adding an additional can of black beans drained. I made as posted with all the ingredients including the spices. Thanks for posting. :)

[jane49423]

I used all the spices, except didn't have any nutmeg. I didn't have vegetable broth so I used a combo of tomato juice and chicken broth. Also added a can of corn and 1/2 cup pasta. Oh, and my family likes meat, so I also cut up a left over bratworst for a little meat. We all liked it.

[invictus]

This is absolutely delicious! I didn't have enough tomatoes so I used a can of diced, juice and all. Other than that I made as is. This is super easy, very flavorful, and a new family favorite.