Southwestern Bean Soup

Ingredients -
4 Bacon Strips
3/4 cup chopped White Onion
3/4 cup chopped Celery
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 (16 ounces) can Refried Beans
1/4 cup Medium or Hot Salsa
1 (14-1/2 ounces) can Chicken Broth
1 tablespoon chopped Fresh Parsley
Hot Pepper Sauce, optional
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Tortilla Chips
 
Preparation:

1. Cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and place on paper towels. Crumble bacon when cool.

2. Add onion and celery to bacon fat. Sprinkle with garlic powder and sauté 5 minutes, or until onion is tender.

3. Stir in refried beans, salsa, chicken broth, fresh parsley, and crumbled bacon.

4. Bring to a gentle boil over medium high heat.

5. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 5-7 minutes.

6. Season with hot pepper sauce.

7. Ladle into individual bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and top with tortilla strips.

 
 


Soup Making Tip
Adding Heat
A tiny pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a little intensity and heat to soups.

Soup Making Tip
Garlic
Pre-minced jarred garlic and fresh garlic bulbs are the two most common forms of garlic for use in soups. Roasting garlic also adds great flavor.