- Heat oil in a large saucepan.
- Add garlic, onions, green pepper, and celery; cook and stir until tender.
- Add remaining ingredients except the beans; mix well.
- Whirl half of the beans in a blender and stir into soup with remaining beans.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- To serve, top with shredded cheese for added flavor.
Makes 6 servings.
Approximate Nutrient Analysis per serving (not including optional shredded cheese):
250 calories, 6 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 800 mg sodium, 41 g carbohydrate, 13 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 10 g protein