Recipe: Vegetarian Black Bean Soup (not Panera's)

Not sure if this is low fat. Have fun tweaking to match Panera's recipe. Please share your results with us.

VEGETARIAN BLACK BEAN SOUP

2 cups dried black beans
water (for soaking beans)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups diced carrots
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped red bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped celery leaves
5 garlic cloves, minced
10 cups water
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cumin

Soak beans in water to cover overnight.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Drain beans and set aside. Discard soaking liquid.

In a large soup pot, heat oil. Add in carrots, celery, onion, red pepper, celery leaves and garlic. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, until veggies start to soften.

Add 10 cups water, tomatoes, bay leaves, cilantro, oregano, salt, pepper, and cumin. Bring to a boil. Add drained black beans. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are tender.

Discard bay leaves and serve.

Servings: 12
Adapted from source: Parsley