KEY WEST BLACK BEAN SOUP

By JanV

A hearty black bean soup with chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes with their juice
• 2 quarts water
• 4 oz. chicken soup base
• 1/2 cup celery
• 1/2 cup onion
• 1/2 cup bell pepper
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 8 oz. cooked, shredded chicken meat
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 oz. sherry wine
• 1 tsp. ground bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Preparation

Step 1

Combine diced tomatoes, water & chicken base and bring to a simmer. Finely mince vegetables and add to soup; simmer for 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes more. Use a flat spoon and mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth. Adjust seasoning as necessary.