Easy Spicy Black Bean Soup

I took this recipe from the Food Network website. Its pretty spicy, you might consider reducing the cayenne by half or more, and spicing it up to taste with hot sauce at the table.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 6 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• salt and pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped red onion

In a large heavy pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and peppers and cook until tender about 5-8 minutes. Stir in spices and toss to coat vegetables. Pout in stock an beans and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes. In a blender, puree half the soup until smooth and stir back into the soup pot. Serve hot with garnishes

When I completed this recipe it was really HOT. I simmered it until reduced by about one third. It was much richer and reduced the heat quite a bit.

I like to serve my soup with a chopped boiled egg in it for a really complete meal.