Black Bean and Tomato Soup

I am so mad at myself. I really wanted to post a new soup recipe every day this week, and I've been seriously distracted/busy. Besides working full time, I've been trying to get Isabelle started on potty training and have been looking for a house to buy...which has been discouraging. I guess "open-floor plan" doesn't mean the same to everyone...or they are sneaky and use those words to lure me in. All I want is this house, on 10 acres, located within 15 minutes of my parents, AND the money to pay for it =)

I feel I am being quite reasonable...Charles doesn't agree. Apparently he feels we should be all responsible and not beg, borrow and steal for this lovely, million dollar home...I guess foreclosure isn't at all appealing to him =)

In reality though, we have only been house hunting for a couple weeks so I know there is something out there...I just wish it weren't so time-consuming. At least on these cold nights as I'm huddled by the fireplace, looking through houses online, I can have this amazing soup to enjoy....

Ingredients:

adapted from "Skinny Bitch: Ultimate Everyday Cookbook"

2T grapeseed oil (or EVOO)
1/2 large onion, diced
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 (15oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
2 (150z) cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1/2 c corn (fresh, frozen or canned)
3 c vegetable broth
1 c water
1t chili powder
1 t cumin
1 t dried oregeno
2 t Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste


Method:

• Saute the onions in the oil until translucent
• Add the garlic and red bell pepper and saute another 1-2 minutes
• Add the chili powder and the cumin and stir to combine
• Add the black beans, tomatoes, corn, water, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano
• Simmer 15 minutes
• Transfer half of the soup to a blender or food processor (hint: the more of the soup mixture you blend the thicker the soup will be)
• CAUTION: You must wait until the soup has cooled before you blend it, or the pressure from the steam will build up, you will burn your hand, and your kitchen will be a mess from an exploding blender...trust me.
• Blend half of the soup mixture until creamy and return to pot.
• Stir and simmer another 5-10 minutes
• Top with cilantro, cheese, green onions or a dollop of sour cream, serve and enjoy!