Easy & Flavorful Black Bean Soup Recipe

Welcome to a truly satisfying and incredibly simple recipe! This hearty black bean soup is a weeknight hero, bursting with savory and spiced flavors that will warm you from the inside out. It’s quick, wholesome, and perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy a comforting bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Black Bean Soup

This amazing black bean soup is destined to become a staple in your kitchen for so many wonderful reasons.

• Quick & Easy: You can have this delicious soup on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly: Naturally plant-based, it’s a wholesome meal that caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Satisfying & Filling: Packed with fiber and protein, each spoonful of this black bean soup will keep you feeling full and happy.
• Customizable Toppings: Get creative with your favorite garnishes to make every bowl uniquely yours.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples, this recipe helps you create a flavorful meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting black bean soup:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 (15-ounce) cans low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, red onion, avocado, or sour cream. Plus extra lime wedges for serving.

Notes & Substitutions

• Oil Choices: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can use avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil you prefer.
• Vegetable Alternatives: Feel free to swap red onion for yellow, or add diced bell peppers for extra sweetness and color.
• Dried vs. Canned Beans: While canned black beans make this recipe super quick, you can absolutely use dried beans. Just soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the soup.
• Spice Level Adjustments: The jalapeño and cayenne add a mild kick. For less heat, omit the jalapeño or remove all its seeds. For more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne.
• Broth Options: Vegetable broth keeps this black bean soup fully vegetarian and vegan. Chicken broth works beautifully for a richer flavor if that fits your dietary preferences.

Equipment

Gathering your tools beforehand makes cooking a breeze. You’ll need just a few basics for this flavorful black bean soup:

• A large pot or Dutch oven (at least 4-quart capacity)
• An immersion blender or a standard blender
• A cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A ladle

How To Make Black Bean Soup

Let’s make this incredible black bean soup recipe! Follow these simple steps for a warm and satisfying meal.

• First, gather all your ingredients and prepare your vegetables. Chop the red onion, dice the carrot and celery, deseed and dice the jalapeño, and mince the garlic cloves. This makes cooking smooth and enjoyable.

• Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion, diced carrot, diced celery, and diced jalapeño pepper. Cook these aromatics for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened nicely.

• Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt to the pot. Stir the spices and garlic into the vegetables for another minute. This allows the spices to bloom and become wonderfully fragrant, intensifying the flavor of your black bean soup.

• Now, add the three cans of drained and rinsed black beans to the pot. Pour in the 3 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together well to combine all the delicious ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and for the vegetables to become perfectly tender.

• After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup a few times. This creates a wonderful mix of creamy and chunky textures, which is ideal for a hearty black bean soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully scoop out about one or two cups of the soup into a standard blender. Blend it until smooth, then stir the blended portion back into the pot.

• Finally, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. This brightens the flavor of the black bean soup and adds a lovely zesty finish. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, cayenne, or lime juice to perfectly suit your palate.

• Ladle the warm black bean soup into individual serving bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced red onion, creamy avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful black bean soup!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Adjust Spice Levels: Always taste as you go! If you love heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add more cayenne. For a milder black bean soup, use less jalapeño or omit the cayenne altogether.
• Control Soup Thickness: If your soup is too thick after blending, add a splash more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
• Prevent Seasoning Mistakes: Don’t add all the salt at once. Start with the recommended amount and adjust at the end, especially if using a salty broth. The fresh lime juice at the end is crucial for balancing flavors.
• Choose Best Blending Method: An immersion blender is super convenient for partial blending. If using a standard blender, be careful! Blend in small batches and ensure the lid is properly secured, venting hot steam. Never fill it too full.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: For an even richer black bean soup, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering and removing it before blending. A tiny pinch of smoked paprika can also add a subtle smoky depth.
• Ensure Beans are Cooked Perfectly: Since we’re using canned beans, they are already cooked. The simmering time is mostly for the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften. If using dried beans, ensure they are fully tender before adding them to the soup mix.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Cuban black bean soup is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines with a few thoughtful additions and pairings.

Serving Suggestions:

• Toppings Galore: Load up your bowl with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or a dairy-free alternative, finely diced red onion, or even some crumbled tortilla chips for crunch.
• Pair It Up: Serve your hearty black bean soup alongside warm brown rice or fluffy white rice for an extra filling meal. A side of crusty bread or warm tortillas for dipping is also wonderful.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover black bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

For safe storage of your delicious leftovers, refer to these USDA food safety guidelines.

• Freezing: This black bean soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat chilled soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations

Get creative with your Cuban black bean soup using these easy twists:

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or plant-based sausage crumbles for extra heartiness.
• Different Bean Types: Experiment with other beans like pinto beans or kidney beans for a varied texture and flavor profile.
• Extra Vegetables: Boost the veggie content by adding diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Smoky Flavor Additions: For a deeper, smoky note, add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the other spices, or a touch of liquid smoke.

Nutrition

This flavorful black bean soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a delicious way to incorporate fiber and plant-based protein into your diet. According to Healthline, black beans are exceptionally high in fiber and plant-based protein, offering various health benefits, including supporting heart health and blood sugar control. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded meal that supports your wellness goals. For a detailed breakdown, please refer to the information below.

FAQ

Got questions about making the best black bean soup? Here are some quick answers!

Conclusion

This easy and flavorful black bean soup offers a truly comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly delicious and wholesome. I hope this recipe brings joy and confidence to your kitchen, showing you that flavorful cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Give this amazing black bean soup a try soon, and please share your feedback and photos! I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy it.

Easy & Flavorful Black Bean Soup Recipe

This easy and flavorful black bean soup comes together quickly with canned black beans and aromatic vegetables. It’s perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal, with a mix of creamy and chunky textures.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Latin-Inspired, Mexican-Inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• large pot
• immersion blender
• standard blender

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large red onion chopped
• 1 large carrot peeled and diced
• 2 ribs celery diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper deseeded and diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cans low-sodium black beans 15-ounce, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Optional Toppings

• fresh cilantro
• red onion
• avocado
• sour cream
• extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

 

Steps

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then cook the onion, carrot, celery, and jalapeno for 4-5 minutes until softened.
• Add the garlic and spices (cumin, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt), stirring for one minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the black beans and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Puree the soup a few times with an immersion blender for a mix of textures; alternatively, blend a portion in a standard blender and return it to the pot. Stir in the lime juice.
• Ladle the soup into individual bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For a thicker soup, simmer longer, or add less broth. Adjust lime juice and seasonings to taste for your preferred flavor profile.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 17gFat: 8gSodium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 6g

Keyword Black Bean Soup Recipe, Blender Black Bean Soup, Easy Black Bean Soup, Healthy Black Bean Soup, Homemade Black Bean Soup, One Pot Black Bean Soup, Vegan Black Bean Soup, Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

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