Description
This hearty and flavorful Black Bean Soup is a nutritious and comforting meal made by simmering black beans with aromatic vegetables and spices. It is blended partially for a creamy texture, then finished with fresh lime juice for a zesty kick. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and packed with fiber and protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
Spices
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chipotle powder (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes + 1 tsp smoked paprika)
- 4 bay leaves
- ½ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Liquids and Beans
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or more to taste)
- 3 cans (15 oz each) black beans
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 lime, juice only (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies and Spices: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in grated garlic, ground cumin, and chipotle powder (or the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika mix), and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth along with the drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Blend and Finish: Remove about 1-2 cups of the soup and blend until smooth to create a creamy base; stir this back into the pot. Add the juice of one lime and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or broth to reach the desired consistency. Serve hot with extra lime juice to squeeze on top if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chipotle powder with a combination of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for a milder smoky heat.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to make the soup thicker or thinner according to preference.
- For added texture, reserve some beans before blending and stir them in at the end.
- This soup can be garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: black bean soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, Mexican soup, easy soup recipe, vegetarian, gluten free
