Recipe: Chi-Chi's Quick Black Bean Soup (using picante sauce and bacon)

CHI-CHI'S QUICK BLACK BEAN SOUP

1/2 lb bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup celery, sliced
1 cup onion, chopped
2 tsp fresh garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained
1 (16 oz) Chi-Chi's Picante Sauce
1 (10 1/2 oz) can chicken broth
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

In large saucepan, combine bacon, celery, onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp and vegetables are tender. Drain.

Add remaining ingredients except cilantro. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 25-30 minutes. Stir in cilantro.

Makes 6 servings