Almost Instant Black Bean Soup

Yep, it's New Year's Eve. We're not doing anything special, heck, we're old and have kids.  I'm making fajitas and since it's all of 28 degrees and there's 8 inches of snow on the ground from a few days ago, I wanted black bean soup.  I popped on google and mashed together a few recipes. I'm writing it all down, so I don't forget! This was almost too easy to be true! and it way tastier than Panera's soup (and I really like Panera's!)

2 cans (16 oz) black beans, rinsed
1/3 cup of white wine (that last little half glass that I couldn't drink without getting stink-eye from the Hubby)
2 tsp to 1.5 tbsp Cumin (depending on your preferences)
Dash to 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (again, depending on your preferences)
2 tsp Molasses (if you use more cumin, you may want more molasses, aim for the same amount or slightly less Molasses than Cumin)
1 tsp Lime juice (more if the soup is too sweet)
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and water or broth

Saute the garlic in a pot and added the wine when the garlic is fragrant.

Add about half of the beans and some water (or broth) to make it thin enough so you can use your immersion blender.  Whip it up until it's pretty smooth. Add water/broth to keep it the right consistency.

Add the rest of the beans, and the seasonings.  Puree some more if you want less whole beans. I ended up with about 1/4 of the beans left whole.

Simmer, covered on low for at least 15 minutes.  Add water/broth if it's too thick. Salt if needed.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream (or not, if you want to do the vegan thing)

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I honestly think it's the sweet and sour of the molasses and lime juice that makes this soup.  Part of me wants to totally puree it, so I don't have the protein flavor center of the beans.  I did go with the lower end of the measurements, I'm not in the mood for super spicy tonight, but I could see it working with the bigger flavor punch.

*****
Edited to add: Ok, I pureed the whole thing. You'll need to up the seasonings. I added another tsp of lime juice, molasses and a 1/2 tsp of cumin. Plus almost a cup of water. and salt.  So, everything :)