Abbie~does black bean soup!

Today Abbie helped make black bean soup! She helped cut up the onions, peppers and garlic that went in as well as seasoned the yummy tortillas we cut up to go along with it! Wether she likes to cook because she likes to eat, or she likes to eat because she gets to cook im not entirely sure! Either way whenever i go into the kitchen she comes running asking what i'm making, sometimes its nothing and she walks off sulking. Inspired by a vegan lunchbox cookbook she found at the library, we decided what a better day since it's only 90+ outside to make SOUP....lol we found this recipe at fat free vegan kitchen, i also pureed mine afterwards to give it a better consistancy and to "hide" the veggies. either way it was yummy, she ate it all up!

1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Cups blackbeans (it says drained but i used the liquid)
1Tb oregano
1 tsp cumin
2 bay leave ( im out so these were omitted)
1-2 t chili powder depending on taste
generous pinch of black pepper
1-2 t minced chipotle chili in adobe (again out didnt use but we are not spicy likers)
2~15 oz cans of tomatoes. (i used 4 beefsteak tomatoes)
4-5 Cups of vegetable stock or water
1 Cup corn
lime wedges *OPTIONAL

in a large pot, sautee the onions,peppers and garlic till soft, about 3 min. Add the beans, spices, and tomatoes stir. Add 3 cups of the water or broth. let simmer for 1 hour add more water/stock if needed to maintain consistancy. after the hour i put mine in the processor and added the corn. Abbie hit the pulse button a few dozen times till it was smooth, then we spooned it into bowls. she topped it with some monterey jack cheese, a few tomatoes we saved from earlier and a dollop of sour cream.

GARLIC PARMESAN TORTILLA STRIPS: 400 degrees

sorry none of this was measured!
garlic powder
olive oil
grated parmesan cheese
2 tortillas ( i think mine are 8 in rounds)

I cut the tortillas up into wedges for Abbie, then she placed them on the cookie sheet. i have a sprayer that you put olive oil in so she prayed the tortillas with that but a brush would work also! With a carefully mommy eye she sprinkled the garlic and cheese over them, popped them in the oven for about 5-7 min. I would say when you're ready to puree your soup is a good time to put these in the oven. Abbie puts things in the oven only if i am there but she is never to take things out for safety!


these turned out super yummy and even her big sister ate it!!