Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this flavorful black bean soup! Packed with rich, savory flavors and easy to make, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of cumin, chipotle powder, and black beans creates a robust and satisfying taste.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have this soup ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for a convenient and healthy meal option.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion, carrots, rib celery: Add depth and sweetness to the soup.
- Garlic, cumin, chipotle powder: Infuse the soup with aromatic and smoky flavors.
- Vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
- Black beans, diced tomatoes: The main stars of the dish, adding protein and texture.
- Bay leaves, salt, black pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Lime juice: Adds a zesty brightness to the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, and chipotle powder, stirring until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth, black beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes, then stir in lime juice.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Helpful Tips:
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Swap black beans for kidney beans or chickpeas for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for a longer time for a more developed flavor.
- Adjust the chipotle powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Use homemade vegetable broth for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this black bean soup with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For drinks, a glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine would complement the flavors nicely.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Can I use dried black beans instead of canned? Yes, but be sure to soak and cook them according to package instructions before adding to the soup.
- How can I make this soup less spicy? Simply reduce the amount of chipotle powder or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
Conclusion:
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this black bean soup is a must-try recipe for soup lovers everywhere. Give it a go and let us know how you liked it! Enjoy!
Print
Black Bean Soup
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Black Bean Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish packed with protein and fiber. It’s made with a blend of spices, vegetables, and black beans, creating a satisfying soup perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 carrots chopped
- 1 rib celery chopped
- 4 cloves garlic grated
- 2 tsp cumin ground
- 1 tsp chipotle powder (or substitute ½ tsp red pepper flakes + 1 tsp smoked paprika)
- 3 cans (15 oz each) black beans (or 4½ cups cooked black beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 bay leaves
- ½ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lime (the juice + more for squeezing on top)
Broth:
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, chipotle powder, or substitutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in vegetable broth, black beans, tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lime juice, remove bay leaves, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime on top.
Notes
- To make the soup thicker, blend a portion of it before adding lime juice.
- You can garnish with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg