Heat the 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large Dutch Oven or heavy-bottomed Pot over medium heat. Add the chopped 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped and diced 1 medium red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and diced and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 7–8 minutes. Add the minced 4 cloves garlic minced and 1 whole jalapeño seeded and minced (if using) and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Use the stem-flick test before cutting: flick off the small nub at the top. Green underneath means it's ready. Won't budge means it needs more time at room temperature. Missing nub or brown underneath means it may be overripe or bruised inside. Don't squeeze repeatedly — it causes bruising. If still firm, leave it on the counter away from direct sunlight until it yields gently to light pressure, which can take one to several days. Once ripe, rinse under cool water and place on a stable Cutting Board with a sharp Knife.

1. HALVE: Hold the avocado steady on a Cutting Board. Cut lengthwise around the pit along the natural seam with a sharp Chef's Knife. Twist the two halves apart. One half will hold the pit. 2. REMOVE PIT: Use a large spoon to scoop the pit out. Do not strike it with a knife blade — this risks injury. A folded kitchen towel to grip and twist the pit free also works. 3. PEEL OR SCOOP: Peel the skin away with your fingers or a spoon, or scoop the flesh out whole with a large spoon to keep it intact for slicing. 4. SLICE: Place the flesh flat-side down and cut into even slices about a quarter inch thick. For a fan, keep slices together and press gently to spread. For diced, score in a crosshatch while still in the skin and scoop out the cubes. 5. TIMING: Takes 2 to 5 minutes total. No heat required. Work quickly once cut — avocado flesh oxidizes and browns on exposure to air.

Add the rinsed 3 can black beans rinsed and drained, liquid from 1 can reserved (plus the reserved liquid from one can), 4 cups vegetable broth low-sodium, and 2 whole bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the soup thicken slightly.

Use the stem-flick test before cutting: flick off the small nub at the top. Green underneath means it's ready. Won't budge means it needs more time at room temperature. Missing nub or brown underneath means it may be overripe or bruised inside. Don't squeeze repeatedly — it causes bruising. If still firm, leave it on the counter away from direct sunlight until it yields gently to light pressure, which can take one to several days. Once ripe, rinse under cool water and place on a stable Cutting Board with a sharp Knife.

1. HALVE: Hold the 1 whole avocado sliced or diced steady on a Cutting Board. Cut lengthwise around the pit along the natural seam with a sharp Chef's Knife. Twist the two halves apart. One half will hold the pit. 2. REMOVE PIT: Use a large spoon to scoop the pit out. Do not strike it with a knife blade — this risks injury. A folded kitchen towel to grip and twist the pit free also works. 3. PEEL OR SCOOP: Peel the skin away with your fingers or a spoon, or scoop the flesh out whole with a large spoon to keep it intact for slicing. 4. SLICE: Place the flesh flat-side down and cut into even slices about a quarter inch thick. For a fan, keep slices together and press gently to spread. For diced, score in a crosshatch while still in the skin and scoop out the cubes. 5. TIMING: Takes 2 to 5 minutes total. No heat required. Work quickly once cut — 1 whole avocado sliced or diced flesh oxidizes and browns on exposure to air.