16 Bean (Con)"Fusion" Soup

16 beans (con)”fusion” soup inspired by Mexican 16 beans soup, chicken tortilla soup and Desi Rajma (as in Rajma Chawal) AND driven by pantry limitations..

Method:

• 1 cup of 16 beans soup mix, washed, soaked overnight, rewashed and pressure cooked with 1 to 2 cups of water and ½ tsp salt.
• Heat about 2 tbsp oil in a stock pot. Add ½ tsp cumin seeds. Add ½ cup of chopped white onion and some chopped garlic. Sauté for couple of minutes. Add ¼ cup carrots, 1 tbsp tomato paste and mix well.
• You may have to add a little water to prevent the soup from burning. Now add the powders – pinch turmeric, pinch, dry ginger, 1 tsp chili/paprika, 2 tsp coriander, 1 tsp cumin, pinch garam masala (ground cloves/cinnamon/cardamom equal parts). Sauté for about 2-3 mins. Add cooked beans, chopped green chilies and mix well.
• Add water to achieve the desired consistency (I made a thick soup). Add cilantro, salt to taste and simmer for about 5 mins or till done. Finally add some crushed tortilla chips.
• Serve topped with some sour cream or salsa along with some tortilla chips and lemon.