Easy Black Bean Soup

When winter rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Black Bean Soup to keep you cozy. I vividly remember those chilly evenings when I would come home from work, my fingers freezing and my stomach growling, longing for something hearty and comforting. It was on one of those nights that I first whipped up this delightful soup. As the ingredients simmered together, their rich aromas filled my kitchen, instantly warming my soul and making me feel right at home. Black beans, tender bell peppers, and fragrant spices come together in a way that’s not just filling but also incredibly satisfying. There’s something truly special about the way this Easy Black Bean Soup embraces you with its deep flavors and creamy texture, making it a staple in my household. Whether served alone or with a sprinkle of toppings, this dish has become my go-to for chilly nights and casual gatherings.

Recipe Ingredients for Easy Black Bean Soup

Creating the Easy Black Bean Soup requires a harmonious blend of ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. The key players like dried black beans serve as the foundation, while onions, bell peppers, and garlic add aromatic depth. Let’s delve into what you’ll need for this nourishing soup.

• 16 ounces dried black beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 6+ cups vegetable broth
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Optional Garnishes: shredded cheese, pico de gallo, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips

Cooking Method for Easy Black Bean Soup

Cooking the Easy Black Bean Soup is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and inviting aromas. Let’s take it step by step, ensuring each phase brings out the best flavors. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to create such a delicious dish!

1. Start by preparing the dried black beans. Check them for any small rocks or debris; then place them in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak overnight. This not only softens the beans but also helps reduce cooking time.
2. Once you’re ready to cook, chop all your produce: the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro. Set out a 6 to 8-quart soup pot, and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro, sautéing for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. You want them to be translucent and fragrant.
3. Next, add in the ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt. Stir them in well to coat the vegetables, enhancing their flavor. Then, toss in the chipotle peppers, bay leaves, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it to ensure the beans don’t stick to the bottom; you might want to mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the broth.
5. As the soup thickens, stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. This step is crucial; it brightens the flavors beautifully!
6. Once cooked, serve warm with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, pico de gallo, or tortilla chips for an extra crunch. It’s a wholesome meal that’s sure to please.

Recipe Variations about Easy Black Bean Soup

The beauty of the Easy Black Bean Soup lies in its adaptability. Whether you want to spice things up or keep it simple, there’s a variation for everyone. Here are some fantastic ideas for adding your own twist!

• With Canned Beans: Swap dried beans with four 15-ounce cans of black beans to save time. Just drain the cans but do not rinse them; that bit of “bean juice” helps thicken the soup.
• Adding Vegetables: Toss in other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini to add extra texture and nutrition. This customization keeps the dish fresh and exciting!
• Spicy Kick: For those who crave heat, add jalapeños or use a spicier variety of chipotle peppers. You can also serve with hot sauce to let guests adjust the spice level.
• Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for a rich, creamy texture that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Vegan Protein Boost: If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding some quinoa or fried tofu to the soup. These ingredients can make it even heartier.
• Toppings Galore: Create a toppings bar with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, lime wedges, and tortilla chips. This way, each person can tailor their bowl to their liking!

Serving Ideas for Easy Black Bean Soup

• With Crusty Bread: Serve your Easy Black Bean Soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or breadsticks. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch.
• As a Starter: This soup makes a fantastic starter for a multi-course meal. Pair it with a light salad to balance out the flavors.
• For Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of this soup for lunch, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing midday pick-me-up.
• Seasonal Pairing: In winter, serve with roasted vegetables or a warm grain salad. In summer, pair it with fresh avocado slices or a light corn salad for a refreshing twist.
• Game Day Favorite: This soup is a hit at game day parties. Set up a toppings bar, and let guests customize their bowls while enjoying the game!
• Potluck Dish: If you’re invited to a potluck, this soup is easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser. Bring along some toppings to share!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Black Bean Soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. Its nourishing ingredients and vibrant spices create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s perfect for cozy nights or when you need something quick and healthy. Enjoy every delicious bite, and share it with your loved ones!

Easy Black Bean Soup

This Easy Black Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, brimming with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a cozy winter evening, this easy weeknight dinner is packed with protein and fiber and is sure to warm your soul. Make it tonight for a satisfying, nourishing meal!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Soups

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 servings

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Peeler

Ingredients

  

• 16 ounces dried black beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 6+ cups vegetable broth
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Optional shredded cheese, pico de gallo, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips

Instructions

 

• Start by preparing the dried black beans. Check them for any small rocks or debris; then place them in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak overnight. This not only softens the beans but also helps reduce cooking time.
• Once you’re ready to cook, chop all your produce: the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro. Set out a 6 to 8-quart soup pot, and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro, sautéing for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. You want them to be translucent and fragrant.
• Next, add in the ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt. Stir them in well to coat the vegetables, enhancing their flavor. Then, toss in the chipotle peppers, bay leaves, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it to ensure the beans don’t stick to the bottom; you might want to mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the broth.
• As the soup thickens, stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. This step is crucial; it brightens the flavors beautifully!
• Once cooked, serve warm with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, pico de gallo, or tortilla chips for an extra crunch. It’s a wholesome meal that’s sure to please.

Notes

• Tip 1: Swap dried beans with four 15-ounce cans of black beans to save some time. Just drain the cans but do not rinse them; that bit of “bean juice” helps thicken the soup.
• Tip 2: You do not have to soak the beans for Instant Pot cooking. If you do, the soup will come out more smooth and thick, because some of the beans will disintegrate and thicken the soup base.
• Tip 3: Cool the soup completely before transferring to an airtight container. Vegan black bean soup will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Tip 4: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight freezer-safe container. Wrap that container in a layer of aluminum foil, and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the black bean soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave.

Keyword black bean soup, easy soup recipes, healthy comfort food, vegan soup

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.