Black Bean Soup

In the winter, I love to have a freezer stocked with good soups I can pull out and enjoy. This is one of my fast healthy favorites~

Black bean soup

1. T. olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
2 t. chopped garlic
2 cans of black beans (can drain or not drain)
1 - 14 oz can of chicken broth
1 can of corn (drained)
1 14.5 oz can of Mexican diced tomatoes with jalapenos (do not drain)
3 bay leaves
1 t. thyme
1 t. balsamic vinegar
1/2 cumin
1 c. cooked diced or shredded chicken

(for thicker soup increase to 3 cans of beans, to make thinner add more broth)
Saute onion and garlic in oil. Than add beans, (mash with potato masher) broth,corn, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add chicken. Serve with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.