Easy Black Bean Soup

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 4 slices lean bacon
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 2 cups diced onions
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 4 (15 ounce) cans black beans, undrained
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 lb pickled lamb, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• sour cream (optional)
• grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Recipe

• 1 in large dutch oven saute bacon until crisp, then remove and set bacon aside.
• 2 in bacon grease saute onions, bell pepper, garlic and celery over medium heat until soft, about 30 minutes.
• 3 add all remaining ingredients, lower fire and simmer covered for about 2 hours.
• 4 serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle top with grated cheese, if desired.