Delicious Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

When I went through the Eat to Live diet, I discovered an amazing soup at Panera Bread - Vegetarian Black Bean Soup.  A few years ago, I found a recipe that resembled what I imagined went into this wonderful bowl of tasty, hearty goodness.  It could also be called "Mmmm...Yummy Soup."  I like that.  I made a few changes and here is the recipe we use now:

• 1 onion
• 4 celery ribs
• 1 bell pepper (color your preference...I had green on hand)
• 4 cloves garlic (I was out of fresh :()
• 3 c vegetable broth
• 3 cans black beans, undrained
• 1 t salt
• 1 t cumin
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• *1 pkg kielbasa (not pictured...and only if you don't want to go the vegetarian route, or in my case, have a husband to please) 

You will notice that I have beef broth instead of vegetable broth.  This is because I just made this beef and noodle recipe of Lindsey's (which was a HUGE crowd pleaser - thanks Lindsey!) and didn't have vegetable broth.  I have substituted beef broth before, so I know it works just fine.  But officially, it is no longer a vegetarian dish.  If that is important to you, take note.

STEP 1: Chop, chop, chop!
Chop up those veggies.  If you live with people who do not like large chunks (my family), then dice, dice, dice!

1 onion

1 bell pepper

Looks like I have a way lot more celery than the other veggies.  I went back and changed the ingredients list above from 6 ribs of celery (which is what this is) to 4.  Not sure what happened, but as I like celery, I used it all anyway. :)

This would probably be a way easier task with a food processor, but I don't have one, so I dice, dice, dice.

STEP 2: Throw it into the pot!
Combine your first five ingredients: onion, pepper, celery, garlic, and beef broth, and bring to a boil.  Simmer 10 minutes.

STEP 3: The beans (+ kielbasa, if you don't want to go the vegetarian route)
Puree one can of black beans.  *Side note:* In making an effort to eat as much fresh food as possible, I examined the label on the black beans.  I know nothing about beans or how to make them - I have always used canned beans.  They contain "Prepared black beans, water, salt."  I'm sure the sodium is overdone as a preservative, but beyond that this didn't sound too "dirty."  (Chelsea, can you weigh in?) *End Side Note* I use the magic bullet, which might be my second favorite kitchen appliance.  (First is the Kitchen Aid mixer in the background :)  I use it for banana bread, baby food, and all sorts of other great stuff.  If you don't have one, I'm sorry, but an immersion blender, or even just a regular blender would probably work fine.  Add it and the two other cans to the pot UNDRAINED.  Also, if your husband prefers to have meat in all his foods (ahem), chop up some kielbasa and throw it in.  I have to admit, it does add some flavor.

STEP 4: Add spices and simmer
Add salt and cumin.  Spoon out about three tablespoons of the broth and combine with 3 tablespoons of corn startch to thicken the mixture.  Add to soup and simmer until veggies are completely cooked.

STEP 5: ENJOY!
Mmmm...yummy soup.  My family likes to treat this dish like chili and add sour cream, cheese, and chips to the soup.  It is delicious, but quite unhealthy, and honestly, I don't think it needs anything else.  It is simply PERFECT!

:)