Black Bean Soup

By: Melody Harrell (adapted from Panera Bread)
Prep Time/Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
*Make-Ahead Meal

Ingredients:
1 White Onion (finely chopped)
2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
2 Celery Ribs (finely chopped)
1/4 Large Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
2 Small Chicken Bouillon Cubes
1-1 1/2 c. Boiling Water
2 cans (15 oz. ea.) Black Beans (undrained)
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 Lemon (juice only)
1 1/2 tbl. Cornstarch

Directions:
In a large pot, combine first 6 ingredients.
Simmer 10 minutes.
Add half a can of beans, salt, & cumin.
Cook 5 minutes.
Puree soup.
Add remainder of black beans to soup mixture.
Combine cornstarch with 1 1/2 tbl. boiling water.
Add lemon to cornstarch mixture; add to soup.
Cook until thickened. Serve.