Pam's black bean soup

Always a hit, this yummy, healthy easy to prepare soup is filling and easy as 1.2.3.

5-6 slices of bacon, cut up

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large onion, diced

handful of diced cooked ham

1 large can of diced tomatoes

Clamato juice as desired, about 2 cups or more  (this is the ‘secret’ ingredient)

Can of black beans drained and rinsed. (I usually double the black beans and also use a can of navy beans, drained and rinsed as well)

Salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper or chili peppers, basil, oregano all to taste

In a large stockpot fry the bacon until crisp. Add garlic and sauté  for 30-60 seconds. Add chili peppers if using, and sauté for 30 more seconds. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes or so. Chuck the rest of the ingredients in the pot and season to taste. Simmer for at least 20 minutes, and serve with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream on top.