Black Bean Soup

I've been making this black bean soup for the past 6-7 years, and it's always a go-to favorite when I'm craving soup (which is quite frequently, as my husband can attest!).  I originally got this recipe from here, but I double it, add more cumin, and don't add the carrots (because carrots are yucky).  So here's what I do...

Ingredients:

• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 15oz cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 32oz can chicken broth
• 2 cups cubed cooked ham
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional as a garnish)
• 1 cup sour cream (optional as a garnish)

Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a double boiler on medium heat, until tender, about 10 minutes.  Mix in 2 cans of black beans.  In a blender blend the other 2 cans of black beans with about 1 cup of the chicken broth, until smooth.  Mix the black bean puree and the rest of the chicken broth into the pot.  Add the ham and cumin.  Simmer about 20 minutes.  Garnish with cheddar cheese and/or sour cream, if desired.

Lisa and Bill's Chili

This is is my in-laws chili recipe that they got from a restaurant in Minneapolis that went out of buisness called Sargent Pepper's.  They make a big pot of it every October and have a big bon fire with friends.  It is quite tasty.  And also pretty spicy.  I tend decrease the amount of chili flakes and pepper, so feel free to tailor it to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 5 stalks celery, diced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
• 3 16oz cans of diced tomatoes, drained
• 4 16oz cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 can pumpkin 
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
• 1 48oz bottle V-8 juice
• 12oz flat beer
• dash Worcestershire sauce 
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dill weed
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• cayenne to taste
• black pepper to taste

Saute celery, onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños in olive oil in a large pot on medium heat.  Add ground beef until brown.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.  Simmer for one hour.  

Updated on 10/7/25.