Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

For 4 servings

• 4 slices bacon (chopped, or 1 tablespoon butter)
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 ½ cups diced red bell pepper
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 30 ounces canned black beans (2 x 15 ounces cans, drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 jalapeno (seeded and finely diced)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• toppings as desired (see notes)