Quick Black Bean Soup

Of the black bean soup recipes I've tried, this is hands-down my favorite. It's smooth and rich, filling and full of flavor. Although best warm, this soup even tastes delicious cold. (I know from licking the spoon when dishing up my next serving to reheat at work.)

Quick Black Bean Soup
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
14-oz. chicken broth
30 oz. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp. lime juice
1/4 cup finely chopped ham

Combine first five ingredients together in a saucepan. Add 1 1/2 cans of beans, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Place bean mixture in a blender, and blend until smooth. Return to pan, and add remaining beans. Cook two minutes. Stir in lime juice, and remove from heat. Serve topped with ham. Makes 4 servings.