30 Minute Vegan Black Bean Soup

Y’all….it’s happening again. I’m turning over a new leaf and a new year. 41–here I come!

If I’m being honest, this one snuck up on me. I didn’t even really realize it was my birthday week until Tuesday. And if you know anything about me you know this is rare. I’m usually shouting it from the rooftops come December 1. Because let me tell you, it’s tough work trying to get the birthday attention you deserve when you share it with Jesus. Yes, he deserves all the praise but, still, I need a little birthday love too.

So here I am, on the brink of another year. About to officially enter my 40’s, as everyone knows turning 40 is practice for the rest of the decade, right? I had one year to get it right and now the race has actually begun. I’m by no means an expert at this decade yet, but I’ve got to say that I’m really digging these 40’s. Sure, I’ve got a few more wrinkles but I’ve also got boatloads more moxie. Yes, I’ve put on a few inexplicable pounds but I’ve also felt more content and satisfied in this skin than I ever have. It’s all a trade-off, this aging thing. You lose some of the things you thought matter a great deal (ie: your youth and your attractiveness) but you gain things you never even knew you valued (ie: wisdom, contentment, strength). 

And so I decided, just because I can, to list out 41 truths (as I know them) of being 41. Nothing too serious, here, friends. Just a few thoughts I’ve learned along the way. And more than that, I want to thank you all for being a part of this journey. Because whether you’re reading these words and we go WAY back to the days when I had acne, braces and a haircut from “Some Kind of Wonderful” or we’ve never met and you’re just here for the recipe, you’re a part of my journey. And I’m grateful for you.

41 Truths about 41 

1. Don’t take life too seriously. It’s not brain surgery (unless it actually is).
2. Eat the cake. And the salad. It’s all about balance.
3. One glass of wine is good, two is better and three is a disaster.
4. Coffee is your friend. So is water. (once again, balance)
5. Trust your gut. It won’t lie to you.
6. Move. Just move. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore, just move. It helps.
7. Faith means taking life one step at a time, trusting that something bigger is at play and resting in the fact that God’s got this. Faith does not mean you aren’t afraid. That’s a lie.
8. Pet the dog. Get the cat. Animals make life better. Yes, even ferrets.
9. Throw away your scale.
10. Leave the dishes. No one goes to their grave wishing they had spent more time cleaning.
11. A Gucci purse holds as much stuff as a Target one. But if you can afford it and want it, Treat Yo’ Self.
12. Finding yourself is never linear. Enjoy the journey, even when it sucks.
13. Friendship means “I’m here for you even if you’re the worst.” And real friendship passes beyond time and distance.
14. Travel more. Buy less. Minimalism is millennial, but the tenets still hold true.
15. When you tell someone you’re praying for them, mean it. It matters.
16. Wrinkles aren’t terrible, but neither is Botox.
17. Hold the door open for strangers. Let people cut in line. Act kindly even when you’re not. It’s what changes the world.
18. Bend but don’t break. 
19. Find your style and stick to it. You always look your best when you’re looking like you, not when you’re trying to look like someone else.
20. Love is messy and dirty and hard. But it’s worth it. 
21. Good music matters. Find yours and listen often.
22. Read ALL THE THINGS. Yes, actual books. 
23. Do it afraid. Do it anyway. Just do it. (Nike was on to something, right?)
24. You’ll never know if you don’t try. 
25. It’s not how you fall that matters, it’s whether or not you get back up.
26. Pockets make everything better.
27. God is real. Jesus is too. And their message is the same: Love everyone, anyway.
28. You’ll feel mildly hungover every morning for the rest of your life whether you drank or not. Get used to it.
29. A lot of things can be fixed with a nice long hug.
30. Your mom loves you. No matter what.
31. They’re not calories, they’re love pats. And it’s ok to eat them without stressing.
32. Wisdom comes from the hard parts, so allow yourself to learn even in the darkness.
33. Stay rooted in truth and know who (and whose) you are. These are unshakable and steadfast. Hold tight to them when the waters get rough. because…
34. The waters will get rough. But they’ll get calm again too. Nothing lasts forever.
35. Your kids are only yours for a short time. Love them hard and look them in the eyes when they’re talking to you. 
36. It’s your race. Keep blinders on and, by all means, you do you, Boo.
37. If something or someone doesn’t feel right, it’s not. Walk away.
38. You matter. 
39. People are almost always too busy thinking about themselves to worry about you. Trust me. 
40. You can be anything you want to be. Except a unicorn. **
41. Love. It always comes down to love.

**And maybe you can be a unicorn. Who knows? Dream big and let me know.

30 Minute Vegan Black Bean Soup

So, I couldn’t do this one without including this recipe, mostly because I posted a picture of it earlier in the week on IG and y’all were begging for the recipe. Who knew black bean soup was such a hit?

Anyway, this 30-minute vegan black bean soup is just that. A 30 minute, vegan black bean soup. But the best part is that it doesn’t taste like a 30-minute soup. The trick of pureeing half of the beans with the tomatoes and adding them in, I learned that from Perfection Pending’s Black Bean Recipe, which is delicious. But my husband, well he likes HEAT. So I added some more spice, veganized it with a simple swap and added that last little kick from Apple Cider Vinegar. I know that sounds weird, but trust me. It balances the beans so well. It’s the last delicious bite this soup needs.

This is perfect for #meatlessmondays or just busy weeknights when you want a warming, stick to your rib dinner. Perfect with chips for dipping or warmed Naan. It’s one of our new favorite #toolboxrecipes just for you.

30 Minute Vegan Black Bean Soup

December 13, 2019

Servings: 6-8

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By: Meaghan Dawson

Ingredients

• 4 cans black beans, rinsed, drained and divided
• 2 cans fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
• dash of apple cider vinegar
• vegan sour cream, scallions and diced cilantro to top

Directions

• Step 1 In a blender or food processor, combine 2 cans of black beans and the tomatoes, blend until smooth and set aside.
• Step 2 Heat a healthy swirl of olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
• Step 3 Add onion and sweat until opaque and shimmering (about 2 minutes)
• Step 4 Add red pepper, jalapeno, garlic, bay leaf and spices, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
• Step 5 Add pureed bean mixture and stir to combine.
• Step 6 Add broth, remaining beans spices and Worcestershire Sauce.
• Step 7 Stir to combine and cook, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes or until thickened and flavors have melded.
• Step 8 Add a dash of vinegar to each bowl right before serving and top as desired.
• Step 9 Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but might need additional broth upon reheating.

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