Description
A hearty and flavorful Black Bean Soup made with a blend of cumin, chipotle, and fresh vegetables, simmered to perfection. This comforting soup is packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a nutritious and warming meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chipotle powder (or substitute 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, drained and rinsed, or 4½ cups cooked black beans
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 lime, juiced (plus more lime juice for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering to create the perfect base for sautéing your vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the grated garlic, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant, enhancing the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the vegetable broth, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and add the bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
- Season and finish: Remove the bay leaves, then season the soup with salt, black pepper, and fresh lime juice. Adjust the seasoning and broth quantity to your taste preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and offer extra lime wedges on the side for added brightness just before eating.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in.
- Chipotle powder can be adjusted for spice level or replaced with red pepper flakes and smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Add toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth if desired, but will adjust the vegetarian status.
Keywords: black bean soup, vegetarian soup, easy black bean soup, Mexican style soup, healthy bean soup, hearty soup