Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped carrot
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add celery, minced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and the next 4 ingredients (through black pepper); sauté 3 minutes. Add broth, water, and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Cool slightly.
2. Place half of soup in a blender, and process until smooth. Pour into a bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining soup. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.