Black Bean with Cilantro Soup
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 - Tablespoons butter

• 1/2 - green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 - onions, chopped

• 2 - cloves garlic, minced

• 2 - cups canned black beans, rinsed

• 1-1/2 - pounds ham, diced

• 4 - cups beef broth

• 1-1/2 - teaspoon ground cumin

• 1-1/2 - teaspoon oregano

• 1-1/2 - teaspoon cilantro

• 1/4 - teaspoon thyme

• 1/2 - bay leaf

• 4 - Tablespoons pepper jack cheese

• 4 - sprigs cilantro

Directions

1. In a skillet at moderate heat, melt butter and sauté bell pepper, onion, and garlic for 3 minutes or until onions are clear.

2. In a stockpot, add in the onion mixture, beans and ham.  

3. Pour in the beef broth and cover pot.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook 30 minutes.  

4. Add in the cumin, oregano, cilantro, thyme, and bay leaf and cook an additional 30 minutes.

5. Ladle into a soup bowl and garnish with 1-tablespoon cheese and a sprig of fresh cilantro.

Picnicking & Tailgating

Heat (on stove or in microwave) and pour into a thermos.  When you get to the picnic or tailgate site, just pour and enjoy.