Black Bean Soup

I found this recipe this past winter.  I've made it several times, but never took pictures or posted it.  I changed a few things from the original recipe to make it just the way I like it.  It makes a great and filling lunch or dinner. Serves 4.

1 cup of diced ham

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 cup diced yellow onion

1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped carrots

3 minced garlic cloves

6 cups of vegetable broth

1/2 tsp. BBQ dry rub

1- 14oz. can of diced fire roasted tomatoes

1- 10oz. can of diced green chilies (drained)

2- 14oz cans of black beans (drained and rinsed)

In your stock pot over medium heat saute the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrots and minced garlic for 4-5 mins. in 1 Tbsp. of olive oil.  Add the chopped ham.  Add a 1/2 tsp of your favorite BBQ dry rub.  It gives the soup a little smoky flavor.  Stir ingredients together.  Add the vegetable broth, fire roasted tomatoes and green chilies.  Stir together.  Bring soup to a boil and then turn down the heat.  Let it simmer for 1 hour.  Add the black beans.  Simmer for 30 mins.  

Pull 3 cups of the soup out of the stock pot and place in a food processor.  Pulse until beans are mashed.  Add it back to the stock pot and stir together.  Let the soup simmer for another 30 mins.  Then serve.  You can serve this with cheese on top or green onions.  Whatever you like.  You can also make this soup without the ham.  It's up to you!  Enjoy!