Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup
(from Eating Well)

1 TBS canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 TBS chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
2- 15oz cans black beans, rinsed
3 cups water
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/4 tsp salt
1 TBS lime juice
4 TBS reduced fat sour cream (optional)
2 TBS chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion & cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, 2-3 minutes. Add chili powder & cumin & cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add beans, water, salsa & salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat & simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat & stir in lime juice.

2. Transfer 1/2 the soup to a blender & puree (use caution when pureeing hot liquids). Stir the puree back into the saucepan. Server garnished w/ sour cream & cilantro, if desired.