Bean Soup


1 grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
1/2 cup chopped onion

Place these in a small bowl and top with 4 oz. beer (or water or
vegetable stock). Cook in microwave ~4 minutes, until they begin to
soften.

Meanwhile, in a 4-qt. pot, place:

1 can fatfree (vegetarian) refried beans
8 oz. beer (can substitute water or vegetable stock)
1 1/2 cups water or vegetable stock
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Start over high heat. Stir until beans "dissolve." Then add 1/2 can
pinto beans. Mash the remaining beans and add.

Then add:

3/4 cup frozen spinach
3/4 cup frozen corn
1 lime, peel removed, cut into small chunks
1/2 cup prepared salsa (picante sauce) (I used Arriba brand)
the microwaved vegetables, above

Reduce to medium heat and simmer 20 - 30 minutes until thickened.
(Add water if necessary to thin.)

Top with any combination of the following:

Fatfree cheese
Fatfree yogurt
Crushed baked tortilla chips
Chopped cilantro
Chopped green onions