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Vegetarian (Or Not) Black Bean Soup #1
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 40 Minutes
Servings: 4
I invented this recipe way back when I was a vegetarian (for 4-1/2 years. ) Then when I became non-vegetarian again I just tweaked it a little. It's a hearty and tasty soup, easy to make & doesn't take long, either. This one is if you're using canned beans, #2 is if you are using dried beans.
Ingredients:
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans
1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, diced small and not drained
0.5 (12 ounce) can cheap beer (it can be any kind, non-alcoholic, or club soda if you are stongly opposed to cooking with alcohol.)
1/2 cup brown rice (if vegetarian) or 1/2 cup barley (if vegetarian)
1/2-1 lb ground round (obviously if non-veg)
3/4 cup diced celery
3/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1 medium parsnip, finely chopped (if vegetarian)
2 tablespoons olive oil (if vegetarian)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 -5 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 bay leaf
any kind hot pepper (optional)
1 knorr vegetable bouillon cubes or 1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1. Empty the canned beans into dutch oven. Use the beer or other liquid to swish around and get all the bean paste out from the bottom of the cans (that is essential!) & add to the pot.
2. Add the rice or barley to the pot now.
3. If NOT vegetarian: brown the ground round with the minced garlic & chopped onion then add to the pot of beans.
4. If vegetarian: saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until onion starts becoming translucent. Then add to the pot.
5. Add the tomatoes, parsnips, carrots, celery, bay leaf, hot peppers, bouillon, beer and black pepper to the pot.
6. Bring to a boil, cover and turn heat down to low. Cook 20 minutes.
7. Take the lid off, stir, sample and make sure the grain (if veg) is done; if so, now is the time to add salt if needed. I have found, for myself, it is not necessary to add any.
8. If not completely done to your liking, put the lid back on and cook an additional 5 minutes.
9. Take the lid off, stir and sample again. If still not done to your liking, Repeat the last step. Otherwise, if done -.
10. Serve.
By RecipeOfHealth.com