Soup-er Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe: Simple and Delicious
For a quick and nutritious meal, this black bean soup is a standout. With minimal ingredients, it offers a flavor-packed experience.
The aroma of cumin blending with sautéed onions provides an earthy and inviting base. Yet, there's potential to elevate this dish further.
With a hint of creativity, simple touches can transform the soup entirely. Stay tuned to discover how.
Key Takeaways
- The soup is ready in under 30 minutes and offers a restaurant-quality meal.
- Requires only five main ingredients for a simple yet flavorful dish.
- Offers a creamy consistency by partially blending while leaving some whole beans.
- Customizable with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.
- Store for up to 5 days, improving in flavor over time.
Recipe
Black bean soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With just five main ingredients, this recipe simplifies the traditional approach without sacrificing taste. The soup is rich in protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and satisfying. In just under 30 minutes, you can prepare a restaurant-quality meal that will warm you up on chilly evenings.
The key to this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of aromatic seasonings. By partially blending the soup, you achieve a creamy consistency while leaving some beans whole for added texture. This easy-to-make dish isn't only delicious but also versatile, as it can be customized with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
To make the black bean soup, start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and add the black beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After cooking, remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, ensuring some beans are left whole for texture. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
For best results, allow the soup to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and its flavor often improves the next day. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to restore its original consistency.
Customize the soup with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and enjoyment.
Cooking Steps
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of black bean soup!
Start by sautéing diced onion in olive oil until it's translucent, then sprinkle in cumin and let it sizzle just enough to release its warm, earthy fragrance.
Pour in the vegetable broth and black beans, bring it to a gentle boil, and then partially blend the soup to create that perfect balance of creamy and chunky texture.
Step 1. Sauté Onion in Olive Oil
Why start your black bean soup with anything other than perfectly sautéed onions? Onions add a rich, sweet flavor that forms the base of this comforting dish.
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You'll know it's ready when the oil shimmers. Toss in the diced onion, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Watch as the onion becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness, which takes about five minutes. Don't rush this step; it's key to building the soup's depth of flavor. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making you eager for the next steps.
Cooking is an adventure, and you're off to a fantastic start with these simply sautéed onions!
Step 2. Add Cumin Until Fragrant
Next, sprinkle in the cumin, letting it mingle with the onions in the pot. As you do, take a moment to enjoy the warm, earthy scent that fills your kitchen.
This step is crucial for unlocking the cumin's aromatic potential, enhancing every bite of your black bean soup. Stir continuously for about a minute, ensuring the cumin doesn't burn.
You'll notice the onions absorbing these spices, promising flavor in each spoonful. This fragrant foundation sets the stage for your soup's rich taste.
Cooking is about taking pleasure in small details, like the way cumin transforms the air around you. Feel the excitement as your dish comes together, knowing each step brings you closer to a comforting, delicious meal.
Step 3. Pour in Broth and Beans
As you finish savoring the aroma of cumin, it's time to pour in the vegetable broth, adding depth to your soup. The rich, savory liquid brings everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Next, gently add the drained black beans. Their hearty texture and earthy flavor are essential to this dish, making each spoonful satisfying and delicious. Stir everything well, ensuring the beans are evenly distributed in the broth.
As the soup begins to simmer, you'll notice the enticing aroma filling your kitchen, promising a comforting meal. Letting the mixture come to a gentle boil helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Once boiling, reduce the heat, allowing the soup to simmer and develop its full, delightful taste.
Step 4. Blend Soup Partially for Texture
Once your soup has simmered, it's time to enhance its texture by partially blending it. Grab your immersion blender—this tool is perfect for the job! Immerse it into the pot, and pulse gently.
You're aiming to achieve a luscious, creamy consistency while keeping some beans intact for that delightful bite. This step is where your soup transforms from simple to sensational, creating a perfect balance between smoothness and hearty texture.
If you don't have an immersion blender, don't worry! You can carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender. Blend just a little before returning it to the pot.
This technique ensures you enjoy the deep, rich flavors while relishing the varied textures in every spoonful.
Step 5. Let Soup Rest Briefly
After partially blending your soup to achieve that perfect balance of creaminess and texture, it's important to let it rest briefly. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience.
As the soup sits, the spices have a chance to infuse deeper into the beans and broth, creating a more harmonious and rich flavor profile.
Take this time to set the table, slice some fresh bread, or prepare any toppings you might like, such as avocado or sour cream. The anticipation will make the first spoonful even more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
In bringing together a simple yet flavorful black bean soup, you've crafted a dish that's both satisfying and versatile. This soup is a testament to how minimal ingredients can create something extraordinary.
You don't need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this delightful meal—just a love for good food and a desire to nourish yourself and others. With its rich, comforting flavors, it's perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a cozy gathering.
Don't hesitate to make this black bean soup your own. Add your favorite toppings, like avocado or sour cream, to elevate the experience.
Enjoy the heartiness and warmth it brings, knowing you've created something delicious and wholesome with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Dried Black Beans Instead of Canned?
Absolutely, you can use dried black beans, and here's how to do it with flair!
First, soak the beans overnight or use the quick-soak method by boiling them, then letting them sit for an hour.
Drain, rinse, and cook the beans until tender, about 1-2 hours.
Using dried beans will deepen the flavor, making your soup even more delicious.
Just remember, dried beans need more prep time, but they're worth every minute!
What Toppings Pair Well With Black Bean Soup?
You'll love experimenting with toppings for black bean soup!
Try adding sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, or sprinkle shredded cheese for a melty touch. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, while avocado slices offer creamy richness.
For a crunch, toss in tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish, and if you like heat, jalapeño slices will spice things up beautifully!
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
You can easily spice up your black bean soup by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Sauté the jalapeños with the onions to release their heat, or stir in cayenne with the cumin for an extra kick.
You could also mix in some hot sauce while the soup simmers, tasting as you go to control the heat level.
These additions will add warmth and excitement to your delicious dish! Enjoy!
Is This Soup Suitable for Freezing?
Like a story waiting to be retold, your soup can indeed journey into the freezer's embrace.
Simply allow it to cool completely, then ladle it into airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion.
When you're ready to relive this culinary tale, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
The flavors will meld, offering you a warm, comforting bowl of nostalgia and deliciousness every time.
Enjoy!
Are There Any Gluten-Free Variations?
You can easily make this black bean soup gluten-free! Most of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten, but just double-check your vegetable broth label to ensure it doesn't contain any gluten-derived additives.
This soup's hearty and flavorful nature makes it a perfect dish for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Dive into this comforting meal, knowing it's both delicious and suitable for a gluten-free diet. Enjoy cooking!
