1. What are the main ingredients in black bean soup?

The main ingredients typically include black beans, onions, garlic, bell peppers, vegetable or chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and sometimes tomatoes or cilantro. You can also add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cheese.

2. Is black bean soup healthy?

Yes! Black bean soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. It’s low in fat and can be made vegan or gluten-free, making it a great option for a healthy, filling meal.

3. How do you thicken black bean soup?

You can thicken black bean soup by blending a portion of the soup (about 1-2 cups) in a blender or with an immersion blender and then stirring it back into the pot. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or add a cornstarch slurry.

4. Can you freeze black bean soup?

Absolutely! Black bean soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Black Bean Soup Recipes: : A Hearty Comfort Food

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans black beans (rinsed and drained) or 1 lb dried black beans
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
1 cup corn kernels (optional)
1 jalapeño, diced (optional for spice)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
Sour cream or avocado (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Chop all veggies, measure out spices, and rinse the beans if using canned.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Spices: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes to bring out the flavors.
Combine the Beans and Broth: Add black beans, broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir and bring to a boil.
Simmer and Blend: Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky.
Finish with Lime Juice: Add lime juice, adjust seasoning, and serve with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or blend a portion of the soup.
For extra flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock or Parmesan rind while simmering.
For a spicier soup, include a diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper.
To make this soup creamy, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of coconut milk before serving.

Author: Anna Gomez
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Latin American, Cuban
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving, 1 cup
Calories: 200
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

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