Crockpot Black Bean Soup

Another recipe from weelicious.com that is one of my most favorite and EASY recipes on the site!  YUMMY!  I also demonstrated this at the Fargo Health Expo 2011, and everyone loved it! 

Easy Crockpot Black Bean Soup
Yield:  6 servings


1 TB olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, pressed
2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight, rinsed and drained
1 32 ounce chicken-like or vegetable broth, low sodium
1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp Sea Salt
1 cup water
Toppings:  sour cream, cilantro, olives, tomatoes, chips, onions.


Instructions:
1.  Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and saute onions for 4 minutes.
2.  Add chopped garlic and saute an additional minute.
3.  Place the onion & garlic mixture into the crock pot along with the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.
4.  Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
5.  Using either a hand blender or traditional blender, puree the ingredients to your desired texture.
6.  Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh toppings.  Serve.