Tex-Mex Chicken & Black Bean Soup

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40-45 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Tex-Mex Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

¼ of a cup of chili powder 
2 tablespoons of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 tablespoon of garlic powder 
2 teaspoons of smoked paprika 
1 teaspoons of fine sea salt
½ teaspoons of black pepper

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided
2-3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ medium white onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
500 gram can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies, with liquid
500 gram can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 whole bay leaves
3½ cups of chicken broth, preferably organic
450 grams of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of sweet corn kernels
3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

To Serve:
1 large avocado, diced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
1 large lime, cut into wedges

Process:

1. To prepare the Tex-Mex seasoning mix, combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine. Transfer to an airtight storage container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
   
   
2. Add olive oil, garlic, onion, and red bell pepper to a large, high-sided skillet set over medium heat. Sprinkle two tablespoons of the Tex-Mex seasoning mix on top and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender and start to develop some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
   
   
3. Add fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, bay leaves, and chicken broth and stir to combine. Nestle the chicken breasts into the skillet so they are completely submerged in the liquid.
   
   
4. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce heat to just below medium. Cover skillet loosely with a lid and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with two forks.
   
   
5. Stir in corn and fresh lime juice and simmer until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired, and serve immediately topped with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing.