As you may know, I'm a fan of Trader Joe's, which by great good luck is very close to my house. Sometimes it seems too close! I get lazy. I buy too many kinds of candy. Anyway, I've decided to summarize things I do with Trader Joe's stuff, just for fun and because maybe it will give other people ideas.
Trader Joe's Hack: Black Bean Soup.
Trader Joe's Latin Style Black Bean soup is pretty good if you like totally smooth soup without any noticeable beans in it. I like soup to have more texture, so I usually add stuff to the soup. Most recently, I added around 1/3 of a jar of TJ's Cowboy Caviar, which is a not-too-spicy corn and bean relish/salsa. It really peps up the soup! This time, I also added some leftover roasted squash and onions, but that's not a thing I always have. Check the fridge: any leftover vegetables that sound appealing would also be a good addition.
I usually put Cowboy Caviar on tacos, but I think the soup is an inspiration -- it would even be good with more than 1/3 of a jar. I expect it also would pep up TJ's tomato soup, also a fairly smooth soup. This is not a recipe, it's a hack!!
In case you have any doubt about it, I would be thrilled if TJ's gave me free food or prizes in exchange for my blog post but that's never going to happen. I bought the soup etc. just like anyone else. I might eventually write up some other TJ Hacks, or maybe you know some yourself.
Thanks for this suggestion.... I'll try it tomorrow, probably pressure cooking the squash to a fairly firm consistency (3 min at high pressure), then add the bean soup and some sauteed onions.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I specifically sought out a Trader Joe's in KC after they opened. I remember it being crowded! :) Now that we have one in Tulsa, I have yet to go there! This soup (along with your recommendations of modding it) will make me finally go! Thanks, Mae.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I love Trader Joe's.
ReplyDeleteMy friend Paula wrote: "I use Trader Joe's Eggplant Cutlets when I want a fun Eggplant Parmesan but I'm short on time. Just add fresh slices of mozzarella, basil, a good red sauce, parmesan and bake."
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