posted by Terrytx 04-28-100 8:24 AM 
Crazy Plates by Janet and Greta Podleski
Bean Me Up, Scotty 
"Captain's log: It's the most "enterprising" combination of ingredients on the planet. Soup that boldly goes where no soup has gone before. 
2 teaspoons olive oil 
1 cup copped onion 
1 cup chopped red bell pepper 
1 cup chopped carrot 
1 clove garlic, minced 
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 
3 cups low-fat beef both 
1 cup tomato sauce 
4 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed 
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 
1 tablespoon lemon juice 
1 tablespoon brown sugar 
2 teaspoons dried oregano 
1 teaspoon chili powder 
1 teaspoon ground cumin 
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 
6 tablespoons low-fat sour cream 
chopped, fresh cilantro for garnish, optional 
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, red pepper, carrots, garlic, and jalapeno. Cook and stir for 5 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Add all remaining ingredients, except sour cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. 
Working in batches, transfer to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Return to pot. 
Top each bowl of soup with a tablespoon of sour cream. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. 
Serving Size : 6