Our Favorite Black Bean Soup

This easy (and amazing) Black Bean Soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Pinch of dried oregano
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 14 ½ fluid ounces water
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Optional garnish: chopped bell pepper or a dollop of sour cream

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until cooked but not crisp.
2. Add bacon and onion to large pot, cooking over medium heat until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add chicken stock, oregano, cayenne, and salt. Then add black beans and water. Cook on medium-high heat until simmering.
4. Simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes. While cooking, mash half the beans to thicken the soup.
5. Stir in black pepper and cumin. Garnish and serve warm.