Spicy Black Bean Soup

A couple times a week I enjoy this low-calorie, protein-potassium-fiber-rich soup that is ready in 10 minutes. Sometimes I even make up a large batch on Monday and enjoy it throughout the week. This soup has a kick to it, but if you do not like spicy foods just leave out the cayenne powder. You can make it into a chunky soup by adding cooked corn, broccoli, cauliflower or other veggies. I like to add greek yogurt for an added protein boost, but if you do it is no longer vegan, dairy-free or Engine 2.

Makes: 2 main dish or 4 appetizer

Preparation time: 5m
Cooking time: 5m
Total time: 10m

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion (or 1/4 tsp onion powder)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock

Equipment: Vitamix or regular blender and saucepan

Instructions:

  1. Place the black beans, vegetable stock, dried onions, garlic powder and cayenne powder into a blender and blend on high until well mixed.
  2. If using a Vitamix: add the Greek yogurt (if using) and process on high for 5-6 minutes until steaming.
  3. If using a regular blender: pour the mixture into a sauce pan and heat to desired temperature. Then remove from the heat and let it cool for a minute before adding the Greek yogurt (if using). If you add the yogurt when the soup is too hot it will curdle. Alternatively you can serve the Greek yogurt in a separate bowl and people can add it if they want to.