Black Bean-Squash Soup and Cheesy-Jalapeno Cornbread

Black Bean-Squash Soup
If you like black bean soup you will be delighted to find that this recipe provides a splendid combination of just the right amount of salty and spicy flavor, as well as a hint of sweet from the squash- Not just any squash- Butternut squash that allows you to find your inner Squanto or Pocahontas within. And the Cheesy-Jalapeno cornbread compliments the soup in the way needed to let you feel like the true cowboy you've always wanted to be...or maybe pilgrim to be more accurate.


What Squanto says you need:
2 15.5-ounce cans black beans, rinsed or 2 c. dried black beans, soaked over night & cooked 
1 onion chopped
3 tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic or 1-2 tbs minced 
1 tbs cumin
Sea salt & Fresh ground pepper to taste
1 c chicken broth
1 jalapeno chopped
1 tbs hot red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 of butternut squash (2 c diced)

 

1. Sautee together minced garlic, chopped onion, olive oil, jalapeno and spices in pot 

2.Once the onions begin to cook thru, add diced squash to absorb flavor.

3. Once beans are tender, add 1 c chicken broth and combine all vegetable ingredients so the flavors can blend.
4. Boil for 2-3 minutes.


Cheesy-Jalapeno Cowboy Cornbread:
Use whatever cornmeal or cornbread mix you prefer. 2Bit uses Martha White Cornmeal:

1 c shredded pepper jack cheese

1 finely chopped jalapeno

1/3 pkg of Ranch seasoning mix.

 

1. Follow the cornbread recipe on cornmeal package. (The mix is more convenient as it calls for less ingredients.) 2Bit halved the recipe for four girls. Depending on how many ppl you are serving, you may want to do the same. Because, other than myself, I know no one who will heat up left over cornbread. 

2. Once you have followed the cornbread recipe and mixed it in a bowl, add shredded cheese, ranch mix and chopped jalapeno. And if you ARE halving the reicpe, I suggest baking it in a single loaf pan, so that its thicker. But if you like it more thin and crispy, go with the 8x8 pan.

3. If you are NOT halving the recipe, then DOUBLE the cheese and ranch ingredients. You want that cheesy-jalapeno flavor strong so you can become a cowboy.

4. Bake as directed on cornmeal package. 

The jalapeno gives it just the kick you are craving.

2Bit loves for any opportunity to welcome guests onto our Blog.  This is our good friend, Olivia, who helped and chopped onions like you've never seen. We are showing off our aprons. I get the prize for the matronly-granny look.