Black Bean Soup

I have been wanting to try this recipe for forever! It is great, and the best part is: it's as easy as throwing it in the crock pot!

Black Bean Soup
2/3 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small green bell pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cans (15½ oz.) black beans (just did pre-soaked dry beans, mashed it lightly with a potato masher at the end, and it turned out fine. Obviously, I added a bit more water)
2 cups water
2 chicken boullions cubes
1 cup cooked smoked ham, cubed
1 cup carrots, diced
4 dashes?? (or more) cayenne pepper
4 drops Tabasco sauce
Salt to taste
Sour cream


Saute onion, garlic, and bell pepper in oil.Puree contents of 2 cans of black beans and add to sauteed vegetables in crock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients except sour cream. Be sure to break up the boullion cubes.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. After serving, add dollop of sour cream to each bowl.