Vegetarian Ragin' Cajun Red Bean Soup

You don't need cold weather to enjoy a hearty bowl of soup. This spicy red bean soup is a meal in itself. It is also a very economical meal. This recipe costs less than a single gallon of gas, but provides a healthy and delicious meal for the whole family. Add a salad or sandwiches and you can even feed a large family.

This meal is also very practical. You can leave it simmering in the crock pot all day while you are at work, and it will be ready for you when you come home. The leftovers are also a great workday lunch because they microwave so well.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Red Kidney Beans
  
  
• 1 Carrot, sliced.
  
  
• 1 Onion, coarsely chopped.
  
• 1/2 Bunch Parsley, coarsely chopped.
  
• 1 Leek, sliced.
  
• 2 scallions, sliced.
  
• 1 Head of Garlic, peeled.
  
• 1 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes.
  
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Adjust to taste.
  
• 1/2 teaspoon dry coriander.
  
• 1 teaspoon dry oregano.
  
• 1 teaspoon cumin.
  
• 1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika.
  
• 1-2 teaspoons sea salt.
  
• 5 Black Peppercorns.
  
• 4 Cups warm water.
  

Directions:

1. Soak the beans in warm water over night. This step is optional, but will cut down on the cooking time if the beans start off soft.
   
   
2. Place the tomatoes, complete with juice, into the crock pot. Mash with a potato masher.
   
   
3. Add the spices and mix into the tomato.
   
4. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix thoroughly then add the water.
   
   
5. You may be tempted to add more water, but wait until the end to decide. The vegetables will release their own juice. Adding water at the end, or when you reheat works great with this soup.
   
6. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the beans are really soft. Really, the longer it cooks the better the flavor, but that's the great thing about the crock pot, set it and forget it.
   
7. When the beans are soft, puree with a hand blender. If you don't have a hand blender you can ladle it into a regular blender, puree it and then ladle it back. If you don't have a blender, the soup is perfectly good as is ! Chunky soup has its own charm.
   
   
8. Serve with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of hot pepper oil for extra zing.
   

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