Thomas finally came down with the cold his body had been fighting today, and needed some culinary medicine. I decided that black beans and the kabocha squash sitting on my counter would be a great base, and I threw in a package of sprouted tofu because he loves tofu the most of any human I know! I also love to give my crazy Seattle bicyclist super protein packed meals whenever I can.

Curried Black Bean & Kabocha Soup

olive oil, for misting pot

1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 kabocha squash, scrubbed, mostly peeled and cubed small

7 c. filtered water
3-4 bouillon cubes
2 cans black beans, drained & rinsed well
1 package extra firm tofu, cubed small

2-3 tbsp. curry powder
1+ tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cumin
+/- 2 tsp. salt
pinch of all spice
a few grinds of black pepper
cayenne pepper to taste, optional

Directions:

1. Mist a large pot with olive oil and set to low/medium heat. Add onions and cover. Keep chopping pepper, garlic, squash, stirring them in as you go, replacing cover after each, about 10 minutes.

2. Add water, bouillon, black beans, tofu, and spices. Raise heat to high, and bring to a boil.

3. Drop heat, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Stir and taste for seasoning. Simmer partially covered for 15 more minutes.

You’re done. Yum!