Black Bean Soup(Mf)

1/2 cup onion and red bell pepper -- finely diced

2 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 cans (15 ounce) black beans -- rinsed and drained

4 cups chicken broth --garnish--

4 ounces shredded or diced smoked ham sour cream pickled jalapeno or nacho peppers Heat

2 tablespoons olive oil. Saute

1/2 cup each finely diced onion and red pepper, cover and cook until tender. Add

2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon ground cumin and saute a few seconds. Add two (15 ounce) cans rinsed and drained black beans and 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to bring flavors together. If too thick, thin with water, then adjust seasoning. Garnish with

4 ounces finely shredded or diced smoked ham, sour cream and pickled jalapeno or nacho peppers, if you wish.