In these hard times a good, filling, cheap soup warms the weary heart. This is very easy and can be either vegetarian or not as you choose. Enjoy!

REFRIED BEAN SOUP

1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp oil
1 (31 oz) can Refried Beans
1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes
Chicken broth to equal approximately 6 cups either canned, homemade or made with a soup base or cube.

Cook onion and garlic in oil in a large heavy bottom pan stirring constantly until tender.

Add beans, both tomatoes and chicken broth stirring until smooth. A wisk works well as you want to make sure that the bean lumps are smoothed out. Bring to a light boil, reduce heat and simmer. This can be done in 15 minutes, but I like to cook it longer to let the flavors develop well.

You can also add cut up sausage such as Hillshire Farms smoked or polish as you desire.

If you would like, you can top each serving with crushed tortilla chips, cheese and sour cream.