Print

Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup
Print Recipe

A quick, hearty, and flavorful Black Bean Soup packed with protein-rich beans and aromatic spices, perfect for busy days and cozy meals. This nutritious, budget-friendly soup comes together in under 30 minutes and can be easily customized to suit your preferred taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked black beans)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Avocado slices
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Shredded cheese
  • Crunchy tortilla strips

Optional Variations

  • Chopped jalapenos or cayenne pepper (for added heat)
  • Sour cream or coconut milk (for creamy style)
  • Smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke (for smoky twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse canned black beans or ensure dried beans are pre-soaked and cooked until tender.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices to add acidity and color.
  4. Combine Beans and Broth: Add black beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook uncovered for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Blend for Texture: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot for creaminess. Alternatively, transfer half to a blender for smoothness, leaving some beans whole for texture contrast.
  6. Final Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice for brightness and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Notes

  • Use good quality black beans, canned or homemade, for best flavor.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice, as it balances the richness and lifts the soup.
  • Toast spices briefly with onions to enhance aroma and deepen flavor.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth or blending more beans to your liking.
  • Make the soup ahead of time to allow flavors to deepen; it tastes even better after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean soup, quick soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, hearty soup, gluten free soup, vegan soup, budget-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/black-bean-soup/