Warm up your soul with a bowl of hearty and flavorful black bean soup! This simple recipe is packed with deliciousness and is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and nutritious soup that’s easier to make than you might think!
BLACK BEAN SOUP
INGREDIENTS
SOUP
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
TOPPINGS (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla strips
- Lime wedges
EQUIPMENT
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
SOUP PREPARATION
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- 2. Add black beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 3. Remove bay leaf. At this point, you can choose to blend some or all of the soup for a smoother consistency. For a partially smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup directly in the pot. For a completely smooth soup, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave the soup chunky if you prefer.
- 4. Return the soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5. Heat through and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
And there you have it – a comforting and delicious bowl of black bean soup ready to be enjoyed! Get creative with your toppings and make it your own. This soup is fantastic on its own or served with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your homemade black bean soup!
