Well it goes without saying that this has been one of the coldest snow filled winters we have seen for many years. If you are like me you just can't wait for the warmer temperatures of spring to arrive.
In the meantime we have to make the best of what we have and one of the easiest most satisfying things we can make during this drab time is soup. You really can't beat a steaming bowl of homemade soup to warm you through on a cold winters' day.
Try this Black Bean-Tomato Soup with Lime Sour Cream.
Yields 4 Servings
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of grape-seed oil (substitute your preferred oil).
1 small onion chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 garlic clove minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, undrained
14 fluid ounces of reduced sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup of sour cream
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
The juice of half a fresh lime
The zest of half a fresh lime
1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
In a large pot heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until the celery is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the 3/4 teaspoon of cumin, chile powder, smoked paprika and garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the ground pepper, black beans, tomatoes and broth, bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat to simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Once cooked use an immersion blender* to puree the liquid.
Combine the sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, lime juice and zest and chopped cilantro or parsley (if using). Drizzle cream over the soup. Enjoy!!
*NOTE
If you don't have an immersion blender (get one LOL!!)
You can use a blender to puree the soup. Place half the mixture in a blender, put on the lid but remove the centre piece to allow steam to escape. Cover the opening with a clean towel to avoid spatters. Blend until smooth, pour into a large bowl. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Keep warm until you have prepared your cream.
Serve with crusty bread.
