Black Bean Soup, Vegetarian

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• sliced green onion (optional)
• corn tortilla strips (to garnish) (optional) or chips (to garnish) (optional)
• crema (to garnish) (optional)

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add celery, minced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and the next 4 ingredients (through black pepper); saute 3 minutes.
3. Add broth, water, and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Cool slightly.
4. Place half of soup in a blender, and process until smooth. Pour into a bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining soup. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

olive oil, celery, onion, green bell pepper, carrots, garlic, ground cumin, oregano, chili powder, fresh ground black pepper, vegetable broth, water, black beans, green onion, corn tortilla

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/black-bean-soup-vegetarian-115407 (may not work)