Bean Soup

1 lb dry beans ( I use pinto, but it would be great with black as well) sorted and rinsed
8 cups water
2 cloves garlic
1/2 medium onion
1/4 cup cilantro
1 can diced tomatoes (or you can chop 1 cup fresh tomatoes)
1 cup fresh or frozen spinach chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Place beans, water, garlic, onion and cilantro in crock pot. Cook on low overnight or on high for approx 5-6 hours (until tender)

Spoon beans into a blender along with the onion, garlic and cilantro, spinach and *bean broth (few spoonfuls at a time – all may not fit in at once)
* use more or less bean broth depending on how thick you want your soup to be

Blend until pureed (you wont even see or taste the spinach - its great!!)
Add diced tomatoes
Add salt and pepper to taste

Fun ideas…

Top with
crunched up tortilla chips
green onions
shredded cheese

For extra health punch...

Stir in 1/4 cup oatbran