Savory Ranchero Vegetable Bean Soup

Savory Ranchero Vegetable Bean Soup is a hearty broth filled with beans, corn, zucchini and other vegetables that can be a first course or serve as the center of a lunch or evening meal. It is a vegan soup that you can add shredded cheese or sour cream to and still keep it vegetarian. It is delicious no matter how you serve it.

1 /2 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 cup diced zucchini
3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn or hominy
3/4 cup diced red, yellow or green bell pepper
1 15/oz can of black beans, drained
1 16 oz. jar Larry's Ranchero Sauce
1 cup vegetable stock or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla strips, sour cream or shredded cheese or vegan alternatives (optional)

1. Warm the oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, zucchini, corn and peppers and saute for two to three minutes.
3. Add the beans, Larry's Ranchero Sauce and the vegetable stock or water. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Serve in soup bowls topped with sour cream or cheese (optional) with chips on the side.