The Best Homemade Black Bean Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This black bean soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make and packed with goodness, so you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
- Hearty and filling – Loaded with protein and fiber, this soup keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.
- Simple ingredients – You probably have most of the staples in your pantry already, making it a budget-friendly meal.
- Customizable – Add toppings like avocado, cheese, or a squeeze of lime to make it your own.
Recipe
Black bean soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Made with simple ingredients like black beans, vegetables, and spices, this recipe is both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups cooked black beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the black beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend, and return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or avocado if desired.
Notes:
- For a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture; for a thinner consistency, blend less or add more broth.
- Add a jalapeño or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Mexican-inspired
Serving:
Serves 4-6
Nutrition
Black bean soup is a nutritious dish packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my black bean soup with some simple yet tasty side dishes, like a crisp side salad or roasted veggies. A warm slice of cornbread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the soup. Don’t forget to add a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for a little extra flavor!
Side Dish Options
Since black bean soup is hearty on its own, you’ll want sides that complement its rich flavor without overpowering it. I love adding fresh soup garnishes like diced avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime—they brighten each bite. For crunch, try soup toppings like crispy tortilla strips or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette balances the meal, or roasted sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling fancy, sautéed greens with garlic work wonders. These sides keep things light but satisfying, letting the soup shine. Trust me, they’re game-changers!
Bread Pairings
When you’ve got a bowl of warm black bean soup in front of you, nothing completes the meal like the perfect bread. I love serving it with soft, warm soup rolls for dipping—they soak up every bit of that rich flavor. For something crispy, try toasted baguette slices, which I often use for scooping up bean dips. Cornbread is another favorite of mine; its sweet, crumbly texture pairs amazingly with the savory soup. No matter what you choose, bread just makes the whole experience better. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see what I mean.
