Beans, beans, the magical fruit, try ‘em in this Black Bean Soup!
Whenever I don’t know what to make, I find myself turning to soups. There are endless possibilities when it comes to soup recipes, and you can actually pack a LOT of flavor and nutrition into one single bowl. A perfect example is this black bean soup.
Though it looks simple, this soup is loaded with a rainbow of ingredients, including red bell pepper, yellow onion, celery, carrots, and more! Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and list of health benefits to the recipe.
As a child, I relied on colorful ingredients like these. The first time I saw my mom making this soup, I was sure it was complete muck. I mean, black bean soup? I refused again and again to even try a bite. That is, of course, until my mom invited me to cook the dish with her.
Once we got to chopping, dicing, and mixing a rainbow of fresh ingredients, I was sold. If you too have a picky eater at home, show them just how fun it can be to turn colorful veggies into this black bean soup!
Black beans provide a rich and hearty base to this dish, but it is the vibrant array of fresh produce and spices that really helps layer the flavors in each spoonful. When you eat this black bean soup, you’ll get notes of savory, spicy, zesty, and refreshing ingredients.
Is Black Bean Soup Healthy?
You already know this black bean soup is packed with healthy treats like veggies and beans, but did you know it’s also a great option for vegan and vegetarian diets? This recipe is made almost entirely of fresh produce, legumes, and seasonings, making it a hearty dish to keep you fueled, focused, and full!
What Are Black Beans?
Black beans, also called turtle beans for their hard exterior, are a popular ingredient in Latin American cuisine. You might recognize them from your favorite Chipotle order. Or you may have noticed them in a tasty veggie burger. Black beans are easy to make and are known for their high levels of fiber and protein—which makes them a great substitute for meatless diets!
How do I store leftovers?
Soups are great for making in big batches and freezing until you need them! You can prepare this black bean soup, let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag in your freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm your soup on the stove. Instead of freezing, you can also store your leftover black bean soup in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
You could top this soup with avocado, lime, cilantro, and Tortilla Strips before serving it with dishes like Healthy Chicken Quesadilla. For vegetarian options, try pairing this soup with Street Corn or Mexican Chopped Salad. Black bean soup also makes a fine dip for Keto Tortilla Chips!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 celery ribs diced
- 1 medium carrot peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion, celery, carrot, and red bell pepper.
- Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder and stir. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add black beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15-25 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Blend part of the soup using an immersion blender to thicken it, keeping some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, blend 2 cups of soup in a regular blender until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with desired optional toppings.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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