DIRTY RICE AND BEANS SOUP

DIRTY RICE AND BEANS SOUP 3 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, diced small 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 carrots, diced small 1 small bell pepper, green or red, diced small 1 stalk celery, diced small. 6 cups vegetable stock 28 ounce can diced tomatoes 2 cups red beans, cooked 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, more or less to taste 1/2 tsp dry thyme 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp ground cumin 1/2 cup uncooked rice 1 cup frozen corn, optional A few tbsp of freshly chopped cilantro for extra flavour and garnish (optional) Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic and diced carrots. Saute until the onions soften but do not brown. Add the bell pepper, celery, vegetable stock, diced tomatoes, beans, pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin. Bring to a slow boil and add the uncooked rice. Simmer slowly for about 20 - 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is fully cooked. Add the frozen corn at this point if you are using it and bring back to the boil for an additional few minutes before serving with the chopped cilantro as a garnish.