Rich Creamy Black Bean Soup (Printable)

A velvety soup infused with smoky spices, perfect for cold weather comfort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beans & Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices & Seasoning

09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

→ Garnishes

17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sour cream or vegan yogurt
19 - Sliced avocado
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Diced red onion

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for 1 minute to release the spice oils.
04 - Add black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a creamy texture while maintaining some whole beans and vegetables. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, purée until smooth, and return to the pot.
07 - Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed for desired flavor intensity.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, or red onion as desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The soup achieves that perfect balance between hearty and healthy where you feel completely satisfied without any heaviness afterward.
  • You can easily adjust the texture from chunky to velvety smooth depending on what comfort means to you that day.
02 -
  • Dont skip the step of toasting the spices before adding liquid it activates the essential oils and transforms the flavor profile completely.
  • The soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to get acquainted, so consider making it ahead.
03 -
  • If you have time, soak a cup of dried black beans overnight instead of using canned the texture becomes incredibly creamy with a more pronounced flavor.
  • Save the rind from Parmesan cheese in your freezer and drop it into the soup while it simmers for an incredible depth of flavor even in this vegetarian dish.
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