Black Bean Soup with Cashew Sauce

Simple, yet luscious. That is the way I'd describe the black bean soup out of the YumUniverse cookbook by Heather Crosby. This delicious black bean soup is topped with cashew sauce that serves to not only thicken it, but also add creamy texture and flavor. It's the prefect combination of spices and fresh herbs...so simple, yet luscious. And it's even better the next day!

Black Bean Soup
Serves 4+

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 red bell peppers, seeds and ribs removed, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp lime juice
• 2 Tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp applewood smoked sea salt + more to taste
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground chipotle pepper
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 4 cups water
• 6 cups black beans, cooked (2 cups dry)
• Black pepper to taste
• Cashew sauce
• Cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
Heat a large stockpot to medium, add coconut oil, red bell pepper, and onion, and saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, lime juice, spices (cumin, smoked sea salt, coriander, and chipotle pepper), and cilantro leaves and stir together for 3 minutes.

Now add water and cooked beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer together for about 20 minutes.

Take half of your soup and puree it in the blender. Fold back into remaining soup mixture.

Season with smoked sea salt and pepper to taste. Topped with cashew sauce and fresh cilantro.