Happy Healthy Families

Save some money with economical, healthy and delicious soups (before the warm weather gets here!). Soups are usually inexpensive hearty meals that can be simmered all day in a crock pot, and served with side dishes like corn bread, carrot sticks, crackers, sourdough rolls, etc.

One of our families' favorites is a Cuban Black Bean soup (the hubby is Cuban....so you know who is the chef on this soup entree!). Since we are a vegetarian family, we make this soup without any added meat ingredients, but I do know another version of this black bean soup can be made adding ham.

Black Bean soup is low in fat and is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin C.

Our Black Bean (Veggie) Soup

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups chopped onion
3 cloves garlic finely minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp each dried oregano and thyme
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1/4 tsp pepper
4 cans (about 15 oz each) black beans, rinsed
2 cans (14 oz each) vegetable (or chicken broth) if you prefer
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Mix olive oil, onions, garlic, jalapeño pepper, cumin, oregano, thyme and pepper in a 4 1/2-qt or larger slow-cooker. Add beans and broth. Cover and cook on low about 6-7 hours. Stir in lemon juice.

Garnishes: try Greek yogurt,sour cream, or some grated cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese. Warm corn or flour tortillas served on the side go well with this soup.

Photo: John Uhe