One bite of this soup and you’ll be whisked away to the hills of Tuscany. I’m assuming Tuscany is hilly, because I’ve never been there. However, according to several romance movies that take place in Tuscany, it is quite scenic and filled with gorgeous people who speak the language of amore and help you carry your jugs of chianti back to your villa, which is located on a hill. Awesome. So anyways, back to the soup and how it will take you there… Barley is incredibly earthy and luscious – simply perfect for completely unreasonably cold winter nights (where are we, Buffalo??). The spinach and tomatoes round out this thick and creamy soup. They also add a delightful color and make the soup gorgeous – much like the Italian who is carrying your jug of chianti.

Carnival starts in Rio De Janeiro in February. But thanks to this black bean soup, it starts next week – in your mouth! Oh how strange, yet enticing. See what we’ve done is taken old fashioned black bean soup and turned up the volume on the party – adding wacky spices, some veggies, and orange juice. Yes, orange juice. Si!! Also, while making this soup we dress up in sparkly outfits and dance around the kitchen shaking maracas. So don’t be surprised if, while gobbling down this winter soup, you spontaneously burst into the samba. It happens to the best of us! Oh and you won’t be alone…this soup is enjoyed by everyone from community organizers to president elects to children at Sidwell Friends. Ole!