Black bean soup

Black beans are very healthy - full of fiber and protein. I used to go to Baja Fresh a lot while we lived in Boise, Idaho; and they serve a "Naked Burrito" which is a salad with rice, black beans, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. I was pretty addicted to it, and ate it 3-4 times a week at least. When we returned to India, I missed it a lot; since guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, etc are not easily available where I live. But atleast I can eat black beans :)

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup black beans, soaked overnight
2. 2 fresh tomatoes
3. 1 onion, chopped
4. 1 chilli, slit; or 1/2 chopped green pepper if you don't like the heat
5. 1 pod garlic (you decide)
6. 1 tsp Cumin powder
7. 1 tsp Coriander powder
8. 4 cups water
9. 1 tsp oil
10. salt and pepper to taste.

Method:

1. Wash the soaked black beans thoroughly, and cook, covered, in a microwave for 10 minutes or until soft.
2. In a souppot or saucepan, saute the chopped onion in the oil. When the onion is golden brown, add the garlic and fry for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the coriander and cumin powders and fry for a few seconds.
4. Add all the other ingredients and water and bring to boil.
5. Let it boil until tomatoes are tender.

Serve hot.