RECIPE OF THE DAY! MEAL FOR A DEAL BLACK BEAN SOUP

More-for-Your-Money Meal
These days, who can't use a little extra "help" in the kitchen? Eating on a budget is easy—and tasty. This recipe makes 4 servings for under $15.00.

Less is more flavor! This simple yet flavorful black bean soup draws upon Italian and southwestern influences. I love this soup a regular at our house. When serving to kids I use less crushed red pepper to make it slightly less spicy. The soup "magically" turns slightly pink if you add fresh lemon to your bowl of soup. My husband calls this dish "Meal for a Deal Black Bean Soup" So that's what I named it.
It's so hearty and yet low in calories! Definitely a great soup. ENJOY!!


Prep Time 10 Minutes

Total Time 2:10 Hrs:Mins

Makes 4 servings


Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

1 slice bacon, cut into pieces

3 cups Progresso chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

1 cup water

1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped (1/2 cup)

1 medium celery stalk, coarsely chopped (1/2 cup)

1/2 cup dried black beans (4 oz)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

4 lemon wedges

See Tip below:


Directions

1.Cook onion, garlic and bacon in 3-quart nonstick saucepan over medium heat about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender.

2.Stir in remaining ingredients except lemon wedges. Heat to boiling; boil 2 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 2 hours or until beans are tender.

3.Place 1 cup of the soup in blender container. Cover and blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until of uniform consistency; stir into remaining soup mixture. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tip: Don't cheat on the cooking time! Simmering this soup over low heat for the full cook time will help extract the maximum flavor from the ingredients and ensure the beans are done.


1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 125