*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                     Quick 'n Easy Mexican Bean Soup

Recipe By     : Austin American Statesman 1/12/94
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Soups And Stews

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      slices        bacon -- diced
   1      medium        onion -- chopped
  30      ounces        pinto beans (2 15 oz. cans) -- undrained
   1      can           chicken broth
     1/2  cup           water
     1/4                to 1/3 cup loosely packed cilantro
     1/3  cup           picante sauce

In a 3-quart saucepan, cook bacon until crisp.  Remove with slotted spoon.
Cook onion in drippings until tender but not brown.  Return bacon to
saucepan.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring
occasionally.  Reduce heat.  Cover and simmer 15 minutes.

Variation:  Brown 1 pound ground beef with the bacon.  Also, add a 14 1/2
ounce can whole tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon chile
powder and 3 small cloves garlic (crushed and sauteed with onion).

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