Cosy Ham-And-Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 3 large carrots, peeled
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups chopped ham
• 2 cups water
• 10 ounces undiluted chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 19 ounces black beans
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Slice carrots into thin rounds, mince the garlic, and coarsely chop the onion.

2. 2

   Coat a large saucepan with oil and set over medium-high heat.

3. 3

   Add carrots, garlic and onion. Sprinkle with paprika, chili powder, oregano and salt.

4. 4

   Stir occasionally until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

5. 5

   While onion is cooking, coarsely chop tomatoes.

6. 6

   Add ham to onion mixture and stir often until ham is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

7. 7

   Add tomatoes, water, undiluted chicken broth and corn.

8. 8

   Using a wooden spoon, scrape up and stir in brown bits from pan bottom to add flavour.

9. 9

   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, to develop flavour, 8 minutes.

10. 10

    Meanwhile, drain and rinse beans. Add to pan and stir often until warm, 3 minutes.

11. 11

    Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and Tabasco.