Place the oil in a big pot on medium heat. At this time I make sure that I have all my ingredients out and available.

If you can pick up the pot and very easily spread the oil around, it is hot enough. Throw in your carrots and onions. Let them cook for maybe 2 minutes (until you can smell the onion cooking).

In the mean time, blend the tomatoes and one can of the black beans (don't strain the liquid) in a high power mixer/emulsifier.

Go back to pot of vegetables and add garlic. Cook for about one minute and then add tomato/bean mixture to the pot.

Once it reaches a boil, add broth and cook for another 2 minutes, then turn down to low and simmer. Add spices, hot sauce, salt, cilantro and lemon juice and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Place avocado as garnish in each bowl and sprinkle cilantro and tortilla chips after. Viola! Feel free to add vegan sour cream and more hot sauce too!! maybe some steamed kale on the side? mmmm