Refried bean soup

This is not exactly a traditional Mexican recipe, we don’t think, but anyone who enjoys the flavours of TexMex will definitely enjoy this soup — we do, more often than we would like to admit.

And the beauty of this recipe for boaters is that everything, with the possible exception of an onion, can be purchased months in advance to always have at the ready to whip up a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can refried beans
• 1 medium diced onion
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can black, kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can chicken broth
• 1 can tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup water
• 1 small can chopped green chilis
• ¼ cup salsa
• ½ tsp cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 2 tbsp oil
• Pre-cooked beef or pork sausage (optional)

Saute the onion until translucent. Add garlic and spices. Stir together, then add everything else.

Simmer for 15 minutes.

Serve with tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Enjoy.