CHILI BEAN SOUP

Chili Bean Soup image

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

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1 1/2 cups dried kidney beans (about 9 ounces)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 cups water
1 14 1/2- to 16-ounce can diced tomatoes, pureed in processor
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 1 ounce)

Steps:

Place beans in large bowl. Pour enough cold water over to cover beans by 2-inches. Let stand overnight. Drain.
Heat oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic and bay leaf; stir to coat with oil. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender and light golden, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Uncover; add chili powder and cumin and stir 1 minute. Add beans, 4 cups water, tomatoes and cayenne; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Uncover soup; season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring soup to simmer before continuing.) Discard bay leaf. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cheese over each bowl and serve.