Indulge in the culinary delight of an easy black bean soup recipe, a comforting and hearty dish packed with flavor and nutrition. This delectable recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your kitchen adventures, this soup is sure to impress and satisfy.
Black beans, the star ingredient of this recipe, are a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, they promote satiety, improve blood sugar control, and support overall well-being. Combined with a blend of aromatic spices, vegetables, and a touch of tangy lime, this easy black bean soup recipe promises an explosion of flavors in every spoonful.
Versatile and adaptable, this soup can be customized to your liking. Experiment with different beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, or add your favorite vegetables, like corn or bell peppers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to create a soup that perfectly suits your taste preferences.
How To Make
Embark on a culinary journey with our step-by-step guide to prepare the exquisite easy black bean soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried black beans, rinsed and picked over
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Optional ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
Equipment:
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Can opener
* Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rinsed black beans, chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5. Add the corn, tomatoes, and optional celery, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.
7. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky, depending on your preference.
8. Stir in the cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Tips or Possible Variation
Enhance your easy black bean soup experience with these clever tips and variations:
- For a richer flavor, soak the black beans overnight before cooking. This helps to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Experiment with different beans to create unique flavor combinations. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or a mix of beans can add variety and texture to your soup.
- Add a touch of spice with a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeno. Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of heat.
Spice up your soup with a blend of spices like paprika, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder. These spices add a smoky and flavorful dimension to the soup.
