# Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

## Ingredients:

- **Beans**:
  - 2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained
- **Veggies**:
  - 1 large onion, chopped
  - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
  - 3 garlic cloves, minced
  - 2 carrots, chopped
  - 2 celery stalks, chopped
- **Liquid**:
  - 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- **Seasonings/Spices**:
  - 1 tsp ground cumin
  - 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  - 1 bay leaf
  - ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  - ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
  - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- **Finish**:
  - Juice of 1 lime
  - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- **For Creaminess (Optional)**:
  - 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

## Instructions:

1. **Beans Prep**: After soaking the black beans overnight, drain and rinse them to remove any impurities.
2. **Layering in Slow Cooker**: Add onions, bell pepper, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. If using, add the diced tomatoes.
3. Place the black beans over the veggies.
4. Sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour in the broth, ensuring the beans are well submerged.
6. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beans are tender.
7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture.
8. Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasonings if needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. If desired, swirl in some sour cream, plain yogurt, or coconut milk for added creaminess.

## Tips:

- **Toppings**: Offer toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, diced red onions, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
- **Accompaniment**: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, a side of rice, or a fresh green salad.
- **Storage**: It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- **Heat Levels**: Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. For an extra kick, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or chipotle pepper to the mix.

**Dive into this comforting and rich Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup, a delightful blend of flavors and textures!**
