Rich Creamy Black Bean Soup

A rich and creamy black bean soup infused with warming spices, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. This Latin American-inspired dish is both hearty and nutritious, bringing deep, smoky flavors to your table in less than an hour.

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The secret to this soup lies in the aromatic base of sautéed onion, carrot, and celery, combined with a carefully balanced blend of spices. Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander provide an earthy complexity that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the black beans.

Ingredients

• Beans & Vegetables
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked black beans)
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Spices & Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Garnishes (optional)
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream or vegan yogurt
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Diced red onion

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 2

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 4

Add black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture, leaving some beans and vegetables whole. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with your choice of cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime, or red onion.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the perfect consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Partially blending the soup allows you to enjoy a rich, creamy base while still keeping some beans and vegetables whole for a rustic texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño during the initial vegetable sauté. For added richness, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is best served steaming hot with a variety of fresh toppings. Sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro add brightness and creaminess, while a squeeze of lime juice perfectly balances the warming spices.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch option, this Black Bean Soup is sure to become a staple. Its deep flavors and comforting warmth make it the perfect dish for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute 3 cups of cooked black beans for the canned beans. Soak 1 cup of dried beans overnight, then cook until tender before adding to the soup.

→ How do I make this soup spicier?

Add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the vegetables, increase the cayenne pepper, or stir in hot sauce to taste at the end of cooking.

→ Can I freeze black bean soup?

Absolutely. This soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

→ What can I serve with black bean soup?

Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice. Fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and diced red onion add great texture and flavor contrast.

→ How can I make the soup creamier?

Blend more of the soup for a smoother consistency, or stir in coconut milk, sour cream, or vegan yogurt just before serving for added richness and creaminess.

→ Do I need to drain and rinse canned black beans?

Yes, draining and rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and the thick liquid, resulting in better flavor and texture control in your finished soup.