Black Bean Soup

'Santa Claus is coming to town'. Under that pretext we make the little one clean her toys, eat her food etc., Yes, Bribe it can be considered but I consider it to be a motivator.And trust me the solace is only temporary.Things will go back to normal for the most part come January.I enjoy while it lasts!!
I wish I had Santa and the Celebrations growing up. My mom's life would have been much easier. We put up the tree and decorate the tree as a family. It is something that she looks forward to and something that I look forward to in the gloomy winter season.
Here is a hearty soup perfect for Winter.I used canned black beans and allow me to blame it on the impatience to make this soup.

Adapted from:Eating well
2-15 oz cans of Black Beans, drained and washed(To clean any excess salts)
1 Red Bell Pepper,finely chopped
2 Medium Onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup Salsa
2 tsps Cumin powder
1/4 cup Sour Cream, optional
2 tbsps Olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup Water

• Heat 2 tbsps olive oil in a pan
• Add onions and red bell peppers
• Cook till they are soft
• Add Garlic and let it cook for 2 min
• Stir in the cumin powder ans salt
• Add beans, salsa, and water
• Simmer for 15 min
• Puree half of the soup in a blender
• Combine the puree with the remaining soup and simmer for an additional 10 min
• Stir in a dollop of sour cream if desired
• Serve hot with bread