Blackbean Soup

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
2 cups cubed cooked ham (I don't use this, but I'm sure it would be yummy)
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic, and cook 5 minutes, until tender. Mix in 1 can black beans and chicken broth.

In a blender, puree remaining can of beans until smooth. Mix into the pot. Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Mix in ham, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes. Garnish with Cheddar cheese and sour cream to serve.
 
from www.allrecipes.com