A few weeks ago we made a black bean soup that was, well, awesome. We wanted to offer up another one, but which recipe would be bold enough to follow that fabulous soup? I gathered up all my black bean recipes and said, “So? Which one of you will step up to the plate?” And out stepped this soup! “What makes you feel you are ready for the Loyal Soup People?” I asked. “Well, look at me! I have both cumin and cilantro! Green pepper, garlic, carrots, and more. My black beans are cooked up to perfection.” “Keep talking,” I said. “I also have my secret weapon – Spanish smoked paprika. I taste almost meaty! And my cayenne pepper gives me a little bit of heat. And you know how those Loyal Soup People like the heat.” “I’m listening,” I responded, “but I need a little more. “Well also, I look great in a speedo.” “Oh? Really?” I asked. “Yes and there’s also the fact that I’m a talking soup. I mean, that’s really not something you see every day.” ‘Nuff said. You gotta taste this soup to believe it.

This soup has the biggest ego. I’m honestly not sure why I still hang out with it. I mean, yes, it has fabulous exotic spices such as thyme, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. But really, how about a little humility. And it just loves to point out that it has French green lentils, rather than regular lentils. The French green lentils are smaller and hold their shape incredibly well, and blah, blah, blah – I just tune it out at that point. Anytime I try to change the subject, it’s like – oh don’t forget about my coconut milk – you’ve never had a soup like me. Last week, this soup was, as usual, bragging away. Finally I burst out and yelled “YOU ARE JUST SOUP!! JUST A SOUP!!” The soup was quiet for a second, and then it said – “exactly.”