Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

It's a Rachael Ray Recipe, which I normally would steer clear of.  Nothing against her, I am sure her recipes are fine.  But I tend to like the difficult way, rather than the simple.  I've had this recipe on file for a year, one my realtor passed on with the pumpkin muffins recipe.  We meant to make it last year, but it was a no go.  And tonight I'm not cooking.  Yes, you heard correctly.  In an effort to help G learn to cook I've begun a sink or swim method.  (and yes, I'm well aware we might die of food poisoning in the process.)  As in, he cooks and it either turns out good or it doesn't.  I taught him how to chop onions easily (with a big scary knife) tonight, and away he went.  I was so proud (or the tears might have been from the onion, who knows?). 

 All these ingredients for a little pot of soup. 

 Cooking onions in peanut oil.  Yum.

 Ready to eat!

That was last night.... Dinner turned out delicious!  Naan bread was brushed with melted butter and garlic powder as an accompaniment, and yogurt was drizzled on top with a sprig of cilantro.  G did quite well, and so did I.  Anytime he said "I think it might be ready to do.." I would respond with, "I'm sure you're right" or "You'll figure it out."  :)  We're cooking chicken tikka masala and saag paneer tonight to go with the soup, and it should be a fun time for us (with G unknowingly going to be doing a lot of it!).