2.5 cups black beans
6.5 cups water
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon instant ham or chick bouillon granules * see below
1.5 cups finely chopped onion(about 1 large)
1 C finely chopped green bell pepper(about 1 medium)
1/2c bottled salsa
1 Tbsp crushed garlic
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1.5 tsp dried oregano
1/2 c nonfat or light sour cream
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

*You have to be careful with bouillon or broth. A lot contain sugars or evaporated cane juice. I opt for Imagine organic broth at Whole foods as substitute for any bouillon or broth. You may be able to buy at smiths in organic section, or any organic food store. Imagine was the only brand that did not contain evaporated cane juice.

1. Rinse the beans well and place in a 4-quart pot. Cover the beans with several inches of water and discard any beans that float to the top. Soak the beans for at least 4 hours or for as long as 12 hrs.(If soaking the beans for more than 4 hrs place the bowl or pot in the fridge).

2. Discard the soaking water and return the beans to the pot. Add the 6.5 cups of water and the bouillon granules and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1.5 hrs or until the beans are tender. Add a little water during cooking, to keep the beans barely covered with water.

3. Add the onions, bell peppers, salsa, garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano, and cook for 30 min more or until the beans are easily mashed with a fork and the liquid is thick.

4. Remove 2 cups of the soup and puree in a blender until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir to mix well. Cover and simmer for 5 min more. Add a little water if the water is too thick.

5. Serve hot, topping each serving with a tablespoon each of sour cream, green peppers. and onions.

nutritional facts (per 1cup serving)
cal:222 carb: 40 grams(these are good carbs, don't be scared. cholesterol: 0 fat: 1gram fiber 13.2 grams protein:13.7G Sodium 384 mg calcium; 107 mg GI Rating: LOW

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