Black Bean Onion Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon canola oil
5 1/2 cups cooked black beans (about 4 15-ounce cans)
7 cups water
1 cup green pepper, chopped
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparation

In a skillet over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in the oil until soft (approx 5-7 min/).
Combine the onion and garlic in large pot with beans and water. Bring to a boil.
Add the green pepper, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Allow to cool slightly and then puree half of the soup in a blender.
Return mixture from blender to pot and heat to serving temperature.
Top with cheese and serve with whole wheat bread or crackers.