Black Bean Soup

Even though the first hints of Spring are in the air, I'm still feeling the need to consume lots and lots of soup. Something about the warm, hearty, savory flavor of soup is just so delicious in the colder months!

Yesterday I whipped up my own version of Black Bean soup, and I want to share the recipe with you because it's SO easy, and SOOOO good. Also, I love how most of the ingredients come straight from the pantry, so you can make it without running out to the grocery store for ingredients!

So without further ado, here ya go:

Black Bean Soup (A La Posy the Porcelain Pig)

2 cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1-2 tsp flour
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Dash of cayenne
1/4 cup minced, fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste (I used about 2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper)

Start off by pouring the rinsed black beans, chicken broth, and water in a soup pot to simmer. Then, melt the butter in a pan and saute the onions and garlic until the onions are clear. Add the flour to the onion mixture and stir to form a paste, then add mixture to soup pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and cilantro.

Garnish with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired. (Salsa would be good too! Yum!).

Serves 2-5, depending on your appetite. =)