Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I chopped the vegetables, a tantalizing aroma filled my kitchen, reminiscent of my grandma’s warm hugs on cold winter nights. That’s when I knew it was time for some Hearty One-Pot Black Bean Soup. This recipe not only combines the comforting flavors of cumin and garlic but also offers the convenience of a quick, one-pot preparation—perfect for any busy weeknight! With its vegetarian and vegan-friendly nature, this soup is not just hearty and filling, but it’s also a great way to pack in protein and nutrients without compromising on taste. Whether topped with creamy avocado or spicy jalapeños, it’s a customizable dish that pleases everyone at the table. Curious how to whip up this soul-soothing delight? Let’s dive in! Why You’ll Adore This Black Bean Soup? One-Pot Wonder: This recipe simplifies your cooking routine, requiring just one pot to create a delicious meal that minimizes cleanup. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious choice that’ll keep you full and satisfied. Flavor Explosion: With warm spices like cumin and fresh lime juice, each spoonful bursts with vibrant flavor, reminiscent of family gatherings. Customizable Comfort: Whether you prefer it vegan or with shredded chicken, this soup adapts to your dietary needs. Pair it with Tortellini Soup Cozy or Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup for a delightful meal rotation! Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether serving friends or family, this hearty dish appeals to all palates, making it a surefire hit at any gathering! Black Bean Soup Ingredients For the Base • Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps to sauté vegetables. • Yellow Onion – Provides a sweet and savory base flavor; substitute with shallots for a milder taste. • Carrot – Adds sweetness and texture to the soup; use parsnips for a different flavor profile. • Celery – Contributes to the mirepoix base and adds depth; omit if unavailable. • Garlic – Enhances aroma and flavor; fresh garlic is recommended for the best results. For the Seasoning • Ground Cumin – Essential for a warm, earthy flavor in your Black Bean Soup; substitute with coriander for a different taste. • Dried Oregano – Provides herbal notes; Mexican oregano can be used for a more traditional flavor. • Kosher Salt – Balances and enhances flavors; adjust to taste. • Ground Black Pepper – Adds heat and depth; freshly ground will yield better flavor. For the Soup • Canned Black Beans – The main ingredient, offering protein and heartiness; rinse and drain before using to reduce sodium. • Vegetable Broth – Provides liquid and a flavor base; substitute with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version. • Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens and enhances the overall flavor; use fresh for best results. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Black Bean Soup Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 chopped celery stalk, sautéing for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion turns translucent. This forms a flavorful base for your Black Bean Soup, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The spices will become fragrant, enhancing the flavor profile of your soup beautifully. Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients Now, add 4 cans of drained black beans and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, along with the juice of 1 fresh lime. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld. Step 4: Blend for Texture For a thicker consistency, carefully blend 2 cups of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Be cautious, as the soup will be hot! Once blended, return the mixture to the pot, stirring to combine and achieve a perfectly balanced texture in your Black Bean Soup. Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning Continue cooking uncovered on low heat for another 10 to 20 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. This attentiveness ensures a robust and flavorful soup. Step 6: Serve and Garnish Ladle the Black Bean Soup into bowls and top with your cherished toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also elevate the flavors, bringing joy to every spoonful. What to Serve with Hearty One-Pot Black Bean Soup? Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that complement the robust flavors of this soul-warming soup. Warm Cornbread: Perfect for sopping up the rich broth, cornbread adds a sweet, buttery note that creates a wonderful contrast. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft within, garlic bread offers a savory crunch that enhances every spoonful of soup. Tortilla Chips: These crunchy delights are ideal for dipping, adding a fun texture to your meal, and providing an extra layer of flavor. Avocado Salad: A fresh salad featuring ripe avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro brings a light, refreshing touch to balance the hearty soup. Classic Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy, coleslaw offers a delightful crunch that brightens the meal, making it feel more complete. Spicy Jalapeño Corn Fritters: Adding a bit of heat and sweetness, these fritters can be the exciting side that pairs perfectly with the soup. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro provides a zesty flavor and makes for a satisfying side option. Homemade Pickles: These tangy bites can awaken your palate, contrasting beautifully with the deep flavors of black bean soup. Elevate your dining table with these pairings that will surely delight your guests or loved ones! How to Store and Freeze Black Bean Soup Fridge: Keep your Black Bean Soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days to preserve its fresh flavors. Make sure it cools down before sealing to prevent condensation. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth for the right consistency. Tip: When storing, consider portioning out single servings to make quick lunches or dinners a breeze! Expert Tips for Black Bean Soup Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance to save time on busy nights. This one-pot wonder becomes even quicker when you’re ready to cook! Don’t Skimp on Spices: Properly toast the spices when sautéing; this helps release their essential oils and enhances the flavor of your Black Bean Soup. Consistency Check: Blend only part of the soup for a creamy texture while retaining chunky beans. This balance adds depth to each bowl. Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Your taste buds will thank you! Adjust to Taste: Experiment with seasoning and toppings like jalapeños or cilantro to make the soup uniquely yours; everyone’s palate is different! Storage Savvy: Leftovers are great, but to maintain freshness, store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed. Black Bean Soup Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine and adapt this Black Bean Soup to suit your mood and taste! Meatier Option: Add shredded chicken just before serving for a delightful protein boost. The tender chicken pieces enhance the soup’s savory depth. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, incorporate diced jalapeños during the sauté step or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. This adds a thrilling, fiery dimension! Cuban Twist: Elevate flavors by adding diced bell peppers and a bay leaf while sautéing. This transformation brings a hint of tropical charm and a hearty flair. Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of coconut milk to add richness and sweetness to the soup without dairy. This twist is perfect if you’re aiming for a vegan-friendly option. Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end of cooking for an aromatic lift. Their brightness will beautifully complement the dish’s hearty base. Added Veggies: Throw in diced zucchini or spinach towards the end of cooking for an extra serving of vegetables and to boost the nutrient content. Your soup just got a colorful upgrade! Citrusy Brightness: For a fresher flavor, add extra lime juice or some orange zest at the end. This lovely citrus touch brightens the dish and enhances the overall flavor profile. If you love cozy soups, you might also enjoy the comforting warmth of Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup or the deliciousness of Tortellini Soup Cozy. Each offers unique tastes while keeping the heartwarming essence of home-cooked meals! Make Ahead Options These Hearty One-Pot Black Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables and sauté them up to 24 hours in advance to save time during your busy weeknights. Simply refrigerate the prepared base in an airtight container. The canned black beans can also be rinsed and drained ahead of time for convenience (up to 3 days prior). When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat the sautéed mixture, add the beans and broth, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. For the best quality, make sure to blend the soup just before serving, ensuring it remains deliciously creamy and rich! Black Bean Soup Recipe FAQs What kind of black beans should I use? Absolutely! Canned black beans are a convenient choice as they save time. Make sure to choose low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake. If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup. How should I store leftover Black Bean Soup? To keep your Black Bean Soup fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container after it cools down. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl, simply reheat on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of broth if needed. Can I freeze Black Bean Soup? Yes! Black Bean Soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and stash it away for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little vegetable broth if it’s too thick. What if my soup is too thick? If your soup turns out thicker than you like, no worries! Simply add additional vegetable broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and taste to see if it needs more seasoning or lime juice after you adjust the thickness. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Yes, this Black Bean Soup is naturally vegetarian and vegan. If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, be cautious with toppings like sour cream or avocado. Always double-check labels for potential allergens, especially with pre-packaged broth or canned goods. It’s a flexible recipe that can easily accommodate various dietary needs! How can I ensure the best flavor from my spices? Great question! To maximize flavor, toast your spices in the pot for a couple of minutes before adding other ingredients. This releases their essential oils and enhances the overall taste of your Black Bean Soup, creating an aromatic base that will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Satisfying Black Bean Soup Packed with Flavor and Joy No ratings yet This black bean soup combines comforting flavors and is quick to prepare, making it a nutritious choice for any busy weeknight. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: SoupCuisine: MexicanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and helps to sauté vegetables.1 medium Yellow Onion Provides a sweet and savory base flavor; substitute with shallots for a milder taste.1 medium Carrot Adds sweetness and texture to the soup; use parsnips for a different flavor profile.1 stalk Celery Contributes to the mirepoix base; omit if unavailable.3 cloves Garlic Enhances aroma and flavor; fresh garlic is recommended for the best results.For the Seasoning2 teaspoons Ground Cumin Essential for a warm, earthy flavor; substitute with coriander for a different taste.1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Provides herbal notes; Mexican oregano can be used for a more traditional flavor.1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Balances and enhances flavors; adjust to taste.1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adds heat and depth; freshly ground will yield better flavor.For the Soup4 cans Canned Black Beans Rinse and drain before using to reduce sodium.4 cups Vegetable Broth Provides liquid and a flavor base; substitute with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.1 lime Fresh Lime Juice Use fresh for best results to enhance overall flavor. Equipment Dutch ovenblender Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Black Bean SoupIn a Dutch oven or large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 chopped celery stalk, sautéing for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion turns translucent.Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.Add 4 cans of drained black beans and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, along with the juice of 1 fresh lime. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25 minutes.Blend 2 cups of the soup for a thicker consistency, then return the mixture to the pot.Continue cooking uncovered on low heat for another 10 to 20 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.Ladle the soup into bowls and top with sliced avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3.5mg NotesLeftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in containers for up to a month. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding broth if needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
