Santa Fe Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

 * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
 * 1 medium yellow onion, cut into ¼-inch dice
 * 1 stalk celery, cut into ¼-inch dice
 * ¼ cup precooked bacon bits (not imitation)
 * 1 tablespoon minced garlic
 * 1½ teaspoons crushed red pepper
 * 1½ tablespoons chicken base
 * 1 tablespoon chili powder
 * 5 (15-ounce) cans black beans
 * ¾ cup bottled barbecue sauce
 * salt and white pepper, to taste

Directions

 * 1) In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium heat.
 * 2) Add onion, celery and bacon bits, and saute 3 to 4 minutes until onion is translucent.
 * 3) Add garlic, red pepper, chicken base and chili powder, and saute 2 to 3 minutes to infuse flavor.
 * 4) Add beans and barbecue sauce, and bring to a boil.
 * 5) Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally; add water if necessary to maintain consistency.
 * 6) Season with salt and white pepper.