Black Bean Soup

I don't remember where I found this recipe, but it's a good one. I usually have all of these ingredients on hand, so it's easy to make when we haven't been to the store in awhile. Plus it's quick...and who doesn't like that?!

2 cans black beans, drained
1 t olive oil
1 onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1/4 t chili powder
4-8 slices of thinly sliced ham (I used black forest)
1 large tub of your favorite fresh salsa
4-5 c chicken stock
1/2 c frozen corn
hot sauce
juice of 1 lime

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add in onion, red pepper, and garlic and sautee for a few minutes until translucent. Add in ham and chipotle powder and sautee for 1-2 min. Add beans, salsa and cover with chicken stock. Cover pot and cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Turn down the heat to a low simmer. Use a potato masher and mash up the beans until the soup thickens. Add in corn, hot sauce and the lime juice and give everything a good stir. Simmer for a few additional minutes until everything is heated through.