Instructions: In a large saucepan, saute the onion, garlic, and red pepper in oil until the onion is just beginning to brown.

While vegetables are cooking, puree the kidney beans with their juice and with the tomatoes in a blender until smooth.

When the onions are done, pour in the stock, puree, tomato paste, ancho chilies, oregano, cumin, and black pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes - stirring occasionally.

When ready to serve, grate the cheese and beat it into the sour cream. Mince the cilantro. Then ladle soup into flat soup bowls. Spoon the cheese-cream thickly in a cross shape (for Grovers patience) across each bowl - sprinkle with cilantro - and stick one tortilla chip in the center. Pass a bowl of tortilla chips separately.

Serve hot to 6 to 8 people who arent afraid of hot chile peppers! Its good as a light lunch or substantial first course.

Comments: Heres to Grover, my server wizard, who houses this website and who has met all my not-so-smart questions and requests with infinite patience and humor. Thank you, Grover. I think this rich and visual vegetarian brew - based on a peppery tomato soup of the Tarascan Indians (Michoacan, Mexico) - begins to approach my take on your own complexity and love of art. Thanks again, Grover!

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