Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup is a hearty, protein-rich soup made with black beans, vegetables, and spices — offering bold, smoky flavors in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans – drained and rinsed
• 1 onion – finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 red bell pepper – diced
• 1 carrot – diced
• 2 stalks celery – diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper – seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro – chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – optional, for serving
• Avocado slices – optional, for serving
• Tortilla chips or crusty bread – optional, for serving

Method

1. Sauté the Vegetables

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and celery.
   • Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and turn fragrant.

2. Add Spices

   • Add minced jalapeño (if using), ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir continuously and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors and aroma of the spices.

3. Incorporate the Beans

   • Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the pot.
   • Stir well so the beans are evenly coated with the sautéed vegetables and spices.

4. Add the Broth and Simmer

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
   • Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
   • Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors blend.

5. Blend the Soup (Optional for Texture)

   • Once the soup is cooked, use an immersion blender to partially blend it for a thicker consistency.
   • Alternatively, transfer a portion to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
   • Be careful when blending hot liquids — allow steam to escape to prevent splattering.

6. Finish with Lime and Seasoning

   • Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve and Garnish

   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
   • Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, and tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side.

Serving Suggestion

• Serve hot as a comforting main course or as a starter.
• Add toppings like shredded cheese, corn kernels, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust the consistency with extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.