Hearty Black Bean Soup – Easy and Healthy
This hearty black bean soup is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days, offering a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make. The beans are simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices, giving the soup a deep, savory taste. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for guests, this black bean soup is a versatile, healthy option that's both filling and delicious. Plus, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: diced avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips for serving
Directions
Sauté the Vegetables. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Add the Spices. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, and cook for another 1 minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
Add the Beans and Broth. Pour in the black beans, vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the soup for about 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend for Creaminess (optional). For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer about 1/3 of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
Season and Finish. Stir in the lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. You can also add diced avocado, sour cream, or a handful of tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.
Recipe tips
If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture or reduce the amount of broth. For a lighter consistency, add more vegetable broth as needed. Add a touch of heat with diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors develop even more over time. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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