Copy Cat Panera Black Bean Soup

I made black beans in my IP. Carol does just about everything in hers and Chi does lots of beans in her IP. I decided it was time to put my big girl pants on and give beans a try.

Super easy to make but one bag makes LOTS. I made a large pot of Black Bean Chili for recipe exchange.  Added lots to salads and the last of the beans I made was this recipe.

Panera is one of my favorite places and enjoy their food. This recipe is pretty close to the soup I have eaten there.



Ingredients:

1 small yellow onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/4 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 {15 oz} cans black beans {do NOT drain}
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

Combine the first six ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 10 minutes. Add half a can of beans, salt and cumin, and cook for 5 more minutes. Puree soup slightly in a blender , then return to pot. Add the rest of the beans.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1 1/2 tablespoons of water. Add the lemon and the cornstarch mixture to the soup, and cook until thickened.