Caribbean Black Bean Soup

1 Tbsp. oil
1 large onion, diced
1 cup ham, diced (optional)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small can stewed tomatoes, blended
1 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup brown rice, uncooked
1 litre water
1 Tbsp. lime juice
2 tsp. brown sugar
1-4 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Saute onion in oil. Stir in other ingredients and cook 40 minutes or until rice is fully cooked. Adjust seasonings and serve. Freezes well.