Description
This Spicy Black Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a cozy night. Made with tender black beans, warming spices, and a robust tomato base, it’s vegan, filling, and easy to prepare, delivering a satisfying blend of bold Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Optional Toppings
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Sour cream or vegan crema
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare the base of the soup.
- Sauté onions: Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and jalapeño: Stir in minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Season the base: Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the onion mixture and release spices’ aromas.
- Add main ingredients: Pour in the drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some beans intact to maintain texture and body.
- Finish and season: Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as avocado, cilantro, sour cream or vegan crema, and tortilla strips for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blend fully for a smooth texture or partially to keep a chunky consistency.
- Add vegetables like corn or bell peppers to enhance flavor and add color.
- Increase heat by adding hot sauce or more cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- The soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- This soup freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
