Black Bean Soup With Canned Beans Recipe

When I crave a comforting and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, I dive into making my favorite black bean soup. It’s not just about the rich taste and hearty ingredients but the joy of crafting something so satisfying from a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce.

I adore putting together wholesome dishes, and my Black Bean Soup is an ideal selection for anyone searching for something vitamin-packed and satisfying. It starts with canned black beans and vibrant red bell peppers, and it is blended with warm spices like cumin and chili powder that lend the soup a really delicious flavor while also packing it with protein and fiber.

I make mine with vegetable broth, which keeps things cozy and comforting while also ensuring this dish is super quick to put together.

Black Bean Soup With Canned Beans Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Healthy fats that aid nutrient absorption.
• Onion: Adds flavor and antioxidants, supports heart health.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity with allicin; offers aromatic depth.
• Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamin C, adds sweetness and color.
• Ground Cumin: Provides earthy spice, aids digestion.
• Chili Powder: Adds heat and depth, promotes metabolism.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances smoky flavor with antioxidants.
• Black Beans: High in fiber and protein, promotes satiety.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offers tanginess; rich in lycopene.
• Lime Juice: Provides freshness and vitamin C boost.

Black Bean Soup With Canned Beans Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese

How to Make this Black Bean Soup With Canned Beans Recipe

1. In a big pot, over medium heat, warm olive oil. When it is hot, add the chopped onion and cook until it is soft and see-through, which will take about 5 minutes.

2. Add minced garlic to the pot along with diced red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Stir together the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.

4. Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the pot, along with the canned tomatoes and their juices. Pour in the vegetable broth.

5. Make the soup reach boiling point, then let it reduce to heat low enough to maintain a simmer. Let the soup cook for no less than 20 minutes and no more than 25, letting it become a harmonious whole.

6. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches the desired consistency, or transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

7. Mix in the lime juice and add salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Allow the soup to continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure that the flavors are well combined.

9. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice or spices as desired.

10. Enjoy and serve hot! Optional toppings include:

chopped cilantro
avocado slices
sour cream
shredded cheese

Black Bean Soup With Canned Beans Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Immersion blender or countertop blender
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Can opener
8. Ladle

FAQ

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?Certainly, fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned. To do so, you’ll need about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. And if the soup seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little bit more vegetable broth.
• Is it possible to make this soup spicier?Of course! To make it spicier, you can boost the chili powder or toss in some chopped jalapeño peppers.
• Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?Yes, but you’ll first have to prepare them. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of dried black beans, soak them overnight, and then boil or simmer them until they’re tender and ready to be used in the recipe.
• How can I make this soup creamier?Portion out some of the soup and blend it with an immersion blender or regular blender for a creamier texture.
• What are the best toppings for this soup?Cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese all make excellent toppings to enhance the flavor.
• Can I freeze the leftovers?Indeed, this soup does freeze well. Let it cool entirely before moving to the airtight containers that are necessary for freezing.
• Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?Regular paprika can be used along with a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder to obtain a similar smoky flavor.

Black Bean Soup With Canned Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Canola oil or vegetable oil can be used in place of olive oil.
Red bell pepper: Substitute with green or yellow bell peppers.
Cumin in the can: Replace it with coriander in the can.
Veggie broth: For a non-vegetarian option, use chicken or beef broth instead.
Juice from a lime: Use juice from a lemon as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Layer the Flavors Before adding the spices, consider toasting the cumin seeds in the olive oil for about a minute before adding the onions. This can enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.

2. Add Tomato Paste For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when you add the garlic and bell pepper. Cook it for a minute to caramelize it slightly before adding the spices.

3. Roast the Peppers For an added smoky flavor, roast the red bell pepper before dicing. This can be done by charring the pepper over an open flame or roasting it in the oven.

4. Balance the Acidity Along with lime juice, consider adding a small amount of sugar or honey (about 1/2 teaspoon) to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the lime.

5. Optimize Bean Texture To improve the texture, consider cooking the beans with a small piece of kombu (edible kelp) for added umami and texture. Remove the kombu before blending or serving.