Zesty Ham And Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
5 small shallots, chopped small
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 lb ham, chopped small
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
2 large carrots, chopped small
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 dashes cayenne pepper
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup cheese, grated (optional)

Preparation

Heat oil in a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium heat.
Add shallots and garlic and cook until beginning to brown, then stir ham into the pot.
Add all canned ingredients, then the carrots and all the spices.
Reduce heat to low and cover pot for one hour.
Add chopped tomatoes and continue to heat on low for 15 - 20 minutes.
Serve in bowls and top with shredded cheese if you like.