Homemade Black Bean Soup

This Homemade Black Bean Soup is a nourishing blend of aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients, perfect for chilly evenings and heartwarming gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting a soup from scratch, and this black bean soup recipe holds a special place in my heart.

The blend of wholesome ingredients and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds.

Plus, the process of slow-cooking the beans until they’re tender and creamy is a true labor of love, yielding a soup that’s nothing short of magical.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

▪️ Satisfyingly Hearty: This soup is like a warm hug for your tummy – loaded with beans and veggies, it fills you up just right.

▪️ Taste Explosion: Imagine the cozy blend of spices and the earthy goodness of black beans dancing on your taste buds.

▪️ Nutrition Boost: It’s not just yummy, it’s good for you too! Packed with protein and fiber from the beans to keep you fueled.

▪️ Easy Peasy: No chef hat required. This recipe is simple, and you’ll create a masterpiece without breaking a sweat.

▪️ Leftover Magic: Save some for later – it tastes even better as the flavors hang out and mingle in the fridge.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Immersion blender (optional, for a creamy texture)
• Soup bowls

Ingredients

▪️ 2 cups organic black beans, soaked overnight: These beans are packed with protein and fiber, adding a hearty and healthy touch to your soup.

▪️ 1 tablespoon olive oil: This brings a rich, savory base to the soup, making every spoonful delightful.

▪️ 1 onion, diced: Adds a sweet and flavorful foundation to the soup.

▪️ 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: These add a subtle natural sweetness and a pop of color.

▪️ 2 celery stalks, chopped: Gives a refreshing, slightly tangy taste and great texture.

▪️ 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that wonderful aromatic depth in the soup.

▪️ 1 teaspoon cumin: A warm spice that brings earthy and nutty undertones.

▪️ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick to the soup.

▪️ 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: A hint of heat to tantalize your taste buds.

▪️ 6 cups vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base, bringing all the ingredients together.

▪️ 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note that enhances the overall taste.

▪️ Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing flavors.

▪️ Juice of 1 lime: A zesty twist that brightens up the soup.

▪️ Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a burst of freshness and a delightful visual touch.

Making Of Black Bean Soup

STEP 1: First, give those black beans a good rinse after their overnight soak. They’re ready to shine!

STEP 2: Heat up your pot, pour in the olive oil, and toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Hear that sizzle? That’s the sound of deliciousness coming alive. Give ’em about 5 minutes to mingle and soften up.

STEP 3: Now, let’s add the spices – garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Can you smell that amazing aroma? Give it a quick stir for one minute.

STEP 4: Toss those soaked beans, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the pot. Crank up the heat to bring it all to a cozy boil, and then dial it down to low. Cover up and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

STEP 5: Okay, here’s a choice for you: smooth or chunky? If you’re after creamy comfort, grab that immersion blender and carefully blend a bit of the soup until it’s silky. If you’re feeling rustic and hearty, just skip this step.

STEP 6: Squeeze in the zesty lime juice – trust me, it’s the secret ingredient that gives this soup its tangy kick. Take a taste test and decide if the seasoning needs a bit of a tweak. You’re the boss of your bowl!

STEP 7: Ladle that soul-warming soup into bowls, and don’t hold back on the fresh cilantro garnish or as I did add chopped avocado pieces and a bit of cream. It’s like a high-five for your taste buds.

Tips and Techniques

▪️ Soak black beans overnight – they’ll cook up soft and quick. No overnight soak? Quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes, then let sit for an hour.

▪️ Amp up smokiness with fire-roasted tomatoes – it’s like a flavor hug in a bowl.

▪️ Blend a bit for creaminess, or keep it rustic with chunks of goodness.

▪️ Squeeze that lime for zing! A little citrus can go a tasty long way.

▪️ Go canned if you’re short on time – just give those beans a rinse before diving into the pot.

Serving Size

This recipe fills up 4 hearty bowls or 6 smaller ones – enough to keep everyone smiling and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions

▪️ Grab some crusty bread and dunk it into the soup – the perfect dip!

▪️ Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for an extra creamy and cheesy touch.

▪️ Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal bursting with flavors.

▪️ Feeling adventurous? Try adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime for a zesty twist.

Variations

▪️ To make it creamier and tangy, stir in some sour cream or sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

▪️ If you like something to munch on, add cooked quinoa or brown rice to the soup.

▪️ Want more spiciness? Increase the chili powder or add your favorite hot sauce.

Storage Tips

To keep leftover soup fresh, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it with room on top in a container. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost and reheat on the stove or microwave. Don’t forget to date the container before freezing for easy tracking!

FAQs