Trader Joe’s Latin Style Black Bean Soup
The next time you are in Trader Joe’s do yourself a great flavor by picking up a 32 oz (1 Qt) box of “Trader Joe’s Latin Style Black Bean Soup”.
It’s pretty awesome by itself and doesn’t have to be refrigerated until after it’s opened. The soup is a creamy blend of black beans and spiced with: garlic, chipotle, and cumin, which is an excellent source of fiber that’s also low in salt. A one cup serving has only 70 calories and only 1 gram of fat, but also gives you 4 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
However whenever possible I use the soup as a base to create a more substantial version that I sometimes call Spicy Mexican or Spicy Latin bean soup with a quick sauté of:
1 cup celery
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup onion
1 cup red bell or sweet peppers
Then Season with:
1/4 Tsp ground Chili chipotle pepper
1/2 Tsp ground Cumin
After the vegetables have softened they are added along with the entire box of “Trader Joe’s Latin Style Black Bean Soup” with the addition of at least one can of beans (Black, Pink Beans or any beans you wish) to a soup pot and simmer the soup mixture until the flavors have blended together (at least 20 minutes).
Optional Additions:
Add freshly crushed Garlic and/or Cilantro to the sauté mixture.
Garnish with:
Crushed yellow or white corn chips (should really be obligatory)
Mexican graded cheese
To make a meal of it optionally serve with rice or quinoa.
FYI: Black Beans contain protein, B6, iron, folate and zinc and are thus often a component in fertility food recipes.
Green-Eco-EV News Reporting by Ken Green Burridge
Kenneth Burridge test-drives electric Nissan LEAF in Melbourne Australia
EV of the Year Judge, independent green journalist, photographer, author and sustainability activist that has published over 1000 articles. Mr Burridge’s travels have taken him to over 30 countries and 300+ major cities. He is originally from the USA, but has been residing in Australia for the last seven years. Connect to Ken Burridge on: Twitter, facebook, Google+, Linked in or website
