Spicy Black Bean Chili

(WJBK) - A lot of people enjoy a nice, warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day.

So Fox 2 invited Chef John Prepolec and Eric Ersher of Zoup to the Cooking School Saturday morning.

They were serving up spicy - but not too spicy - black bean chili.

You can learn more about Zoup below, where you'll also find the recipe for their black bean chili. And don't forget to click on the video player to watch the full segment.

Spicy Black Bean Chili.

Carrots (3/8" dice)
Celery (3/8" dice)
Onions (3/8" dice)
Vegetable Stock - 6 cups
Green Peppers (3/8" dice)
Garlic (fresh chopped) 2 cloves
Cilantro (fresh chopped) 1/4 cup
Mild Green Chili Peppers (3/8" dice) 4 qty
Black Beans - 2 lbs.
Tomato Paste (can) - 1 small can
Tomatoes (crushed, can) 1 large can
Tomatoes (diced, can) 1 large can
Bay Leaf (whole)
Thyme leaf (fresh) 1 tsp.
Black Pepper (ground) pinch
Brown Sugar - 2 tsp.
Chili Powder (ground) 1 tsp.
Cumin (ground) 1 tsp.
Red Pepper (cayenne) 1/4 tsp.
Red Pepper (crushed) 1/2 tsp.

1. Saute vegetables

2. Add veggie broth and boil 30 minutes

3. Add black beans, tomato products, spices, chilies.

Boil 20 minutes

Zoup! Fresh Soup Company , the leading fast-casual soup restaurant concept, has signed an agreement to open its 50th location in Grand Junction, CO. The agreement is part of a growth plan designed to bring Zoup!'s award-winning soup, salad and sandwiches to the increasing number of diners looking for healthy options, variety and convenience.

"We created Zoup! after discovering that really good soup is hard to find," said Eric Ersher, Zoup!'s founder and managing partner. Also, in talking to people, it became clear that there's something special about soup and the way it elicits thoughts of family, well-being and comfort for many people. Signing this milestone agreement is not really about the number 50 as much as it is validation that our original concept, our menu and the experience we deliver truly resonate with people."

Zoup! opened its first store in 1998 in Southfield, Mich., a suburb of Detroit, and within five years the company added five more Detroit-area locations. "During this time, we created a strong culture based on Zoup!isms, specific operating principles that give us our unique quality and strong brand image," said Ersher. "Then, we focused on refining our menu, fine-tuning our brand and building the infrastructure that would allow us to provide an outstanding customer experience. Only then did we offer our model to franchisees as a way to help them build their own successful businesses."

The Grand Junction location will be independently owned and operated by Joya and Terry Piland and scheduled to open later this year.

"After looking for just the right business opportunity, we are thrilled to be part of the Zoup! brand and can't wait to bring its fresh menu and unique culture to the Grand Junction area," said Terry. "The wide variety of healthy choices including soup, salad and sandwiches will provide our community with a dining alternative unlike anything currently available," added Joya.

Zoup! offers the convenience of a quick, delicious and healthy meal to enjoy dining in or carrying out.

The restaurant features hundreds of recipes of award-winning soups with 12 rotating daily varieties, including low-fat, vegetarian, dairy-free, and spicy options.