Instructions: This black bean soup has evolved over the years into a tomato soup with black beans. Its fast; It uses canned ingredients. Its comfort food when served with cornbread, also made from a mix. The only unusual ingredients are the juices: carrot and apple. You could omit them but they calm the tomatos acidity.

Serves 4 when served with cornbread. Also good as a topper for baked potatoes.

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan. Soften onion with garlic and black pepper. Add the chopped bell peppers, the Mexican spice blend and the rinsed and drained black beans. Stir well to combine and add the stewed tomatoes (Mexican style). Simmer, crushing the larger pieces of tomato and adding chicken broth to thin. Cook until the flavors are combined; about 15 to 20 minutes or as long as it takes to bake the corn bread.

2. Just before serving, add the chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stir until aromatic. Serve in wide bowls, garnish with a few cheddar cheese shavings; sprinkle soup with malt vinegar.

CARROT JUICE SUBSTITUTE: Cook 1 carrot with apple juice in the microwave then mash it, adding apple juice to taste. JIFFY CORN MUFFIN MIX: plus 1/3 cup lowfat buttermilk, 1 medium egg, and up to 4 tablespoons skim milk; 400F preheated oven, 15-mins in an 8x8-inch pan; centered rack).

VARIATION: Add an ounce or two of leftover cooked meat, shredded and warmed with the onion.

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