Instructions: 1 Grated carrot 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color) 1/2 cup chopped onion

Place these in a small bowl and top with 4 oz. beer (or water or vegetable stock). Cook in microwave 4 minutes, until they begin to soften.

Meanwhile, in a 4-qt. pot, place:
1 can fatfree (vegetarian) refried beans 8 oz. beer (can substitute water or vegetable stock) 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable stock 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Start over high heat. Stir until beans "dissolve." Then add 1/2 can pinto beans. Mash the remaining beans and add.

Then add:
3/4 cup frozen spinach 3/4 cup frozen corn 1 lime, peel removed, cut into small chunks 1/2 cup prepared salsa (picante sauce) (I used Arriba brand)

the microwaved vegetables, above

Reduce to medium heat and simmer 20 - 30 minutes until thickened. (Add water if necessary to thin.)

Top with any combination of the following:

Fatfree cheese Fatfree yogurt Crushed baked tortilla chips Chopped cilantro Chopped green onions

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