One Big Happy Table: Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
3 cups water
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lime juice
4 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add onion and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.

  Add beans, water, salsa and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in lime juice.

Transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree.

Stir the puree back into the saucepan, which will help thicken the soup.

Let simmer until thickened.

Serve garnished with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.