I have always loved to order black bean soup when I see it on the menu at Panera, but had assumed it was something too involved or hard to make on my own.  As I normally do, I researched a few different blog posts and using bits and pieces of those recipes I created one that I figured I would like.  This recipe took no time to make and is really quite delicious!  I used a Cuban Style Black Bean from Trader Joe’s that definitely simplified this recipe.  You could make it with just plain black bean and add some green peppers, onions, garlic, spices and red wine vinegar (the other ingredients in the cans I got from Trader Joe’s).

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves
salt and pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
2 cans cuban style black beans, drained but not rinsed
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup chicken broth (or use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian)

Sautee garlic in olive oil- for about 1 minute.  Add the salt and pepper, chili powder and cumin and stir in for about 30 seconds.  Next add beans, water and broth.  Bring to a simmer.  Now take 2 ladles full of the soup and puree in your blender.  Add that puree back into the remaining soup.  Stir and enjoy!

I topped mine with sliced avocado or have enjoyed it plain.

This recipe makes about 4 bowls or about 6 small cups.