Recipes: Maui Black Bean Soup

Here is my favorite vegetarian recipe. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 T extra virgin olive oil
2 ribs celery, trimmed and chopped
1 fat carrot, pealed and choppedd
1 small purple onion, peeled and chopped
1 red pepper, seeded and deveined, chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and deveined, chopped
2 cloves garlic, passed through a garlic press
1 t. dried cumin
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried basil
1 t. chili powder
1/4 t. crushed red pepper (skip if you don't like food with a kick)
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans
1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes
1 c. corn kernels
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:
In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add celery, carrot, onion and bell peppers.  Saute until onions become translucent.  Add garlic and spices, cook another two minutes.

In a large pot, add stock, beans and tomatoes plus content of skillet.  Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat.  Cover and let simmer for 20 min.  Use a hand held blender and puree to a desired consistency (careful of splatter).  Add corn and let simmer for another 5 min.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition information: Calories ~ 180:  Calories from fat ~38: Protein~ 9g: Carbs ~26g: Dietary Fiber ~8g: Sugars ~6g: Fat ~4g: Sodium ~600mg