'Some Like it HOT' Spicy Bean Soup

'Alleluia', By Sir Edward Burne-Jones

(image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can finally say it:  MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

One of my favorite times of year.  So cheerful and festive ... a time of reawakening

of goodwill among men.

[This breathtaking painting reminds me of the beautiful Angel Gabriel that sits atop our tree each year.]

Song: Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley





We took our left over smoked turkey legs (from the Thanksgiving Day bird) and made a delicious bean soup for dinner tonight.  Perfect, easy meal to offset overeating on Turkey Day.  : )  We're also trying to set up our Christmas tree tonight -- or at least get started -- so an easy meal is just what we needed.  If you're interested, here is the recipe, with photo courtesy of Lauren:

[note: photo is misleading: this is truly a soup.]

'Some Like it HOT' Spicy Bean Soup

2 cans pinto or chilli beans (NOT drained)

2 can Amy's Lentil bean soup (NOT drained)
1 can black beans (drained)
1 can petite cut tomatoes (NOT drained)
2/3 cup Soy Sauce
1 and 1/2 cup Red Wine (cab, shiraz, merlot, etc. ... just not concentrated cooking wine -- use less if this)
2 cups water
3 tbsp. olive oil (EV is best)
1 or 2 finely chopped serano peppers (1 gives moderately spicy ... but 2 is best in my book : )
1/4 of a medium purple onion

1 to 2 tsp. of salt (salt is a funny thing ... some like it a lot, others not so much. Just add one tsp., then add more --as you desire-- to taste. Note: the Soy Sauce already provides a sound salty base ... so don't overdo!)

3-4 turns fresh ground black pepper

1/2 cup chopped bacon (I prefer turkey bacon) or cubed dark meat turkey legs or ham ( I add just a little for flavor: we eat a lot of vegitarian, but if you love meat add 2/3 cup or more as you so desire)

Bring to a low boil and then cook over medium heat for at least 50 min. Some stoves run hotter than others, so if the soup is boiling wildly turn it down to med-low. Reduce to low and let simmer for another 10-15 min. to bring temperature down for eating. Serve over rice.

Enjoy!  I'm off to finish helping with the tree ...

M

P.S.  Okay has everyone, in my extended family -- except for me --  already got their tree up now?!  You all have way too much drive, time and energy!  : )  Think next year: I'll just pull out my Charlie Brown tree and beat ya'll to the finish.

Late p.m. ... okay our 'Charlie Brown' Tree is up.  Still working on setting up the 9 ft. artificial douglas fir that somehow manages to come out of 52" x 12" x 13" box each year (i.e., requires a lot of 'fluffing' and repositioning of branches and twigs).  Lights and decorations will have to wait until tomorrow.  We wrapped things up around 8 p.m. and watched the 'Polar Express' movie (Animated with Tom Hanks) while sipping hot coaco.  Fun!  Hope you and yours had fun setting up your trees, etc. as well.