Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

This is a recipe I picked up for a black bean soup that is similar to the one that Panera serves (which I adore). Enjoy :D

Black Bean Soup

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 ribs celery, finely chopped

1/4 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 14oz can vegetable stock

2 14oz cans black beans, undrained

1/2 tsp salt, to taste

1/2 tsp cumin powder

1/2 lemon, juice of

1 1/2 tbs cornstarch

Combine first five ingredients (onion through vegetable stock) in a pot and simmer for 10 minutes. Add 1/2 can of black beans, salt, and cumin, and cook for another 5 minutes. Puree soup either by pouring into a blender or with an immersion blender in the pot. Add remaining black beans and lemon juice. Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry then add to soup. Cook until thickened.

Potato Soup

Tonight I made potato soup with French bread on the side for dinner. This is my very favorite potato soup recipe ever, so I must share!

Potato Soup

4 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed (bite-sized!)

1/2 small onion, diced (or 1 small shallot)

2 14 oz cans of low fat chicken broth

1 cup water

salt & pepper to taste

pinch of basil

1 stick of butter

1/2 cup flour

1 cup heavy cream

Garnish

4 pieces of cooked bacon, chopped

chives, chopped

shredded cheddar or cheddar/jack cheese

Boil potatoes in a pot with enough water to cover them for approx 25-30 min. While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the rest of the soup - the soup takes about as long to make as the potatoes take to boil. In a medium to large soup pot, melt butter - do not brown! - and sauté onion until soft. Stir in flour and mix until smooth. Add chicken broth, water, salt & pepper, and basil while stirring. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly so the flour does not sink and burn on the bottom. Mix in the cream. Drain potatoes (if it's been 30+ mins) and carefully add to soup. Serve with cheese, chives, and bacon on top! For super extra tastiness, add 2 more pieces of chopped bacon to the soup before you add in the cream. Enjoy :D