Soup love: Hearty Black Bean Soup

This soup has been a winter staple in our household for about three years.  You can easily substitute the chorizo for italian sausage (as I did this time) or veggie alternatives like “Soyrizo”.  We like to eat it just by itself as a late supper, but cornbread, toast, or a peanut butter sandwich are great compliments.

It’s flavorful.  It’s delicious.  and in three days, it was gone.

Slow Cooker Hearty Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb. Chorizo (4 oz.)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 TB dry sherry (or red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar)
• 1tsp. ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 15 oz. canned black beans (not drained)
• 15 oz. vegetable broth
• 1 med. lime, squeezed
• 1/8 tsp. each salt and ground black pepper
• 2 TB fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Saute chorizo in a pan for 2-3 minutes.  Add onion, garlic and peppers, saute over medium heat for 5 minutes or until meat begins to brown.  Add to slow cooker

Add all other ingredients except cilantro, salt, pepper, and lime to cooker.  Cover and cook 4-5 hours on low setting.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.

Yields 1 cup per serving, makes 8 servings (I double the recipe for my 7 Qt. cooker)