BLACK BEAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Soak black beans in water overnight.
• The next day, drain and rinse before using.
• In a large saucepan or heavy bottom cooking pot, add 1/2 cup of broth, chopped onion and chopped garlic and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes.
• or until onions are jnst tender.
• Stir in black beans; add 2 cups water, diced potato, crushed plum tomatoes including liquid, thyme, cumin, green beans, and remaining broth; return to boil.
• Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
• Add shredded carrots, green and red peppers, chopped celery, Tabasco sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Garnish each serving with chopped green onions.
• Refrigerate any unused portion.
• You may wish to add some low-sodium soy sauce to the soup, use about 2 tablespoons, however it will increase the sodium count.
• You can also use canned black beans to speed up the process.
• Use 2- 15 fluid ounce cans, drained and rinsed.
• Cauliflower florets would also enhance the soup, use about 1 cup of florets.