Creamy Black Bean Soup (Printable Version)

A rich, velvety soup with warming spices and hearty black beans

# List of Ingredients:

→ Beans & Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices & Seasoning

09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

→ Garnishes

17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sour cream or vegan yogurt
19 - Sliced avocado
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Diced red onion

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for 1 minute to release spice aromatics.
04 - Add black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some beans and vegetables whole for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and return to the pot.
07 - Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed for desired flavor balance.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot with choice of cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, or diced red onion.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It uses pantry staples to create a flavor that tastes like it has been aging for days.
  • The texture is entirely up to you whether you like it chunky or velvet smooth.
02 -
  • Rinsing the beans thoroughly prevents the soup from turning a murky grey color.
  • Wait until the very end to add salt because the broth reduces and intensifies.
03 -
  • A splash of balsamic vinegar or lime juice right before serving awakens every hidden spice.
  • Freeze leftovers in individual portions for the ultimate grab and go rainy day lunch.
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