Denise's Cuban Black Bean and Rice Soup

• servings: 6
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 slices of bacon, finely chop or 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion diced

1 small green pepper diced

3 cloves of garlic minced

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pinch of baking soda

1 cup orange juice

2 cans chicken broth

3 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 14oz. can diced tomatoes

¼ cup of uncooked rice

Directions

1. Place bacon or olive oil, onion, green peppers, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper over medium heat in a pot. Stir occasionally until onions are tender, about 7 minutes.

2. Add orange juice and baking soda.

3. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, black beans and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add rice. Cook until rice is tender about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt or Tony Chachere’s.

Notes

Garnish options: sour cream, shredded cheese, lime wedges, cilantro or green onions