Spicy Black Bean & Corn Tortilla Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 red or chocolate bell pepper, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped finely
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cups chicken stock or 6 cups vegetable stock
6 small tomatillos, chopped
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed
1 (14 ounce) can mild enchilada sauce
1 (16 ounce) bag frozen tex-mex mixed vegetables (corn, black beans, onions, & peppers, or equivalent)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black & red pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon oregano
4 ounces monterrey jack & colby cheese (shredded)
4 ounces sour cream (for garnish)
tortilla chips (for garnish)
avocado, slices (for garnish)
4 ounces pico de gallo (for garnish)

Preparation

Saute' onion, garlic, & chopped peppers in oil until translucent.
Add: chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans & corn, vegetable blend, lime juice, tomatillas, and seasonings.
Simmer 20-30 minutes, then thicken with 3-4 tablespoons cornstarch (add cornstarch to a small amount of cool water until dissolved, then stir into pot). If soup seems too concentrated, you may add water.
Simmer at a low boil for 10 minutes until thickened.
Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo and avocado slices for garnish.