Black Bean Soup Recipe
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of black bean soup. Bursting with bold flavors, this easy-to-make recipe is the perfect addition to your weekly meal lineup. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a nourishing dish to impress your family and friends, this black bean soup is sure to deliver.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder optional for extra heat
- 3 cups cooked black beans or two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for non-vegan
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1/2 cup corn optional, for added sweetness
- Juice of one lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or tortilla strips
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Toss in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir the mixture for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices, unlocking their full flavor potential.
- Next, add the black beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the beans are fully coated with the aromatic base. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty soup. If you’re adding corn, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- For that classic creamy texture, remove half of the soup from the pot and blend it until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Return the puréed soup to the pot and stir well. You’ll have a perfect balance of smooth and chunky textures.
- Squeeze in the lime juice and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Opt for Dried Beans for Extra Flavor: While canned beans are convenient, soaking and cooking dried black beans will take your soup to the next level. Dried beans tend to have a deeper flavor and softer texture.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Love spicy food? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick. For a mild version, simply skip the chili powder.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make a big batch and enjoy it for days!