Name: Quick Black Bean Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium white onion, diced; 1 large carrot, diced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon chipotle powder; 2 cups vegetable broth; 4 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 lime; Chopped cilantro (for topping); Crumbled cotija cheese (or shredded cheddar cheese, for topping); Diced avocado (for topping); Diced red onion (for topping)

why make this recipe

Quick Black Bean Soup is a fantastic meal option for busy weeknights. It’s not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch. Plus, it can be easily customized with your favorite toppings for added texture and taste. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

how to make Quick Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium white onion, diced
1 large carrot, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
2 cups vegetable broth
4 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 lime
Chopped cilantro (for topping)
Crumbled cotija cheese (or shredded cheddar cheese, for topping)
Diced avocado (for topping)
Diced red onion (for topping)

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion, carrot, and bell pepper; sauté for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and chipotle powder; sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the vegetable broth and black beans, stirring to combine.
In a blender, combine the fire-roasted tomatoes and 1 heaping cup of the black bean soup; blend until smooth.
Return the blended mixture to the soup, along with about 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice; stir to combine.
If desired, blend an additional 1-2 cups of the soup until smooth and add it back to the pot.
Simmer for 5 minutes, or skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
Taste and season with more lime juice, salt, and pepper if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

how to serve Quick Black Bean Soup

Serve Quick Black Bean Soup hot in bowls with your choice of toppings. Add chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, diced avocado, or diced red onion to give each bowl extra flavor and freshness. Enjoy it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a fulfilling meal.

how to store Quick Black Bean Soup

To store Quick Black Bean Soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the soup in a freezer-safe container, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. Remember to let the soup thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Quick Black Bean Soup

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
You can adjust the spices to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
Feel free to add some fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Blend more or less of the soup to get the desired texture. Some like it fully blended, while others prefer a chunkier soup.

variation

You can easily make this soup vegan by ensuring your vegetable broth is plant-based. For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or turkey, or mix in some quinoa. If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned black beans?
Yes, canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. Just remember to rinse and drain them before using.

2. How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend more of the soup in the blender or add some crushed tortilla chips while simmering.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Quick Black Bean Soup tastes even better the next day. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.