45oz.reduced-sodium canned black beans with their liquid, or use any variety, or use 1 1/2 cups home-cooked beans for every 15 oz. can
2cupsreduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth or use any variety
14 1/2oz.diced tomatoeswith their liquid
14 1/2oz.tomato sauce
1Tbspchili powderor to taste
1/4 - 1/2cupred wineor use 1/4 chicken broth and 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, optional
1cuplow fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, or use any variety, for serving, optional
1/2cupshredded part-skim mozzarella or Cheddar cheesefor serving, optional
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté them until the onions start to brown, about 5 minutes.
Add the beans, broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili powder. Bring the soup to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer it until the flavors blend and soup thickens slightly, 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After the soup has been simmering for about 10 minutes, stir the red wine into the soup, if desired.
With a hand-held immersion or standing blender, puree some (at least 2 cups) or all of the soup to desired consistency.
Serve it immediately, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Top individual bowls with the sour cream and/or cheese, as desired, at the table.
Slow Cooker Directions:
Omit the oil. Combine all other ingredients except the sour cream and cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 - 10 hours or on high for 4 - 5 hours. Puree and serve as directed.
(Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Chop the onion, peel the garlic, shred the cheese if necessary and refrigerate, or fully prepare and refrigerate or freeze the soup.Scramble Flavor Booster: Add 1 tsp. cumin with the chili powder, add 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, and serve the soup at the table with the optional toppings, and/or hot pepper sauce such as Tabasco, finely diced onion, and/or fresh cilantro.Tip: You can freeze leftover wine in small portions for future recipe needs using an ice cube tray.Like this recipe? Check out The Scramble's family-friendly meal plans to see just how simple getting dinner on the table can be!