Name: Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 (14 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices; 3 (14 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies with juices; 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro; Sour cream; Tortilla strips; Avocado, sliced

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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious meal, look no further than this Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe. It’s packed with layers of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that come together effortlessly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Plus, it’s wonderfully nutritious and satisfying, showcasing the humble black bean in a way that’s both simple and spectacular. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color that makes the dish so inviting. You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge, which means dinner is just a quick assembly away.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and enriches the overall flavor with its fruity notes.
Small onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked down.
Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, savory kick that wakes up all the other ingredients.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the soup’s flavorful liquid backbone, carrying all the spices and veggies.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices: Provide smoky sweetness and a vibrant splash of color, boosting complexity.
Black beans, drained & rinsed: The star of the dish, offering hearty texture and earthy flavor.
Diced green chilies with juices: Add just the right amount of gentle heat and tang.
Red bell pepper, chopped: Gives a fresh, crisp touch and subtle sweetness.
Chili powder: Enhances the soup with a warm, slightly spicy depth.
Smoked paprika: Brings that irresistible smoky aroma you’ll crave.
Ground cumin: Offers an earthy, nutty warmth that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to balance the richness.
Salt & pepper: To taste, naturally, to elevate every ingredient.
Chopped cilantro: A recommended garnish for an herbaceous, fresh punch.
Sour cream: Smooth, tangy topping that complements the spice beautifully.
Tortilla strips: For a delightful crunch contrast.
Avocado: Creamy slices that make each spoonful even more indulgent.

How to Make Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion turns translucent and sweet-smelling. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute, releasing its fragrant aroma that will be the foundation for your soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Add the Core Ingredients

Next, pour in the broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, rinsed black beans, diced green chilies, and chopped red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender (or a standard blender in batches), pulse most of the soup until it’s smooth but still a bit chunky—this texture gives that perfect rustic feel and keeps some bite from the beans and veggies.

Step 4: Final Seasoning Touches

Stir in the fresh lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This final step brightens the soup and balances all those warm and smoky flavors just right.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Now your Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls. Whether you keep it simple or add toppings, the comforting richness and vibrant flavors will shine through every spoonful.

How to Serve Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes can completely transform your soup and add exciting texture and contrasts. A dollop of cool sour cream adds creaminess, while freshly chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness. Don’t skip the crunchy tortilla strips for that addictive crisp, and some creamy avocado slices add luxury and extra nutrition.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread or crusty bread, perfect for sopping up every last drop. A fresh green salad or a tangy slaw also complement the soup well, keeping the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the soup in individual ramekins topped elegantly with avocado slices, a swirl of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Adding a wedge of lime on the side encourages everyone to add a squeeze for an extra lift. You can also serve it over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavors. The soup often tastes even better the next day as the spices meld further!

Freezing

Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the flavors balanced.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative, and you have a delicious vegan-friendly soup.

Is it necessary to blend the soup?

Blending isn’t mandatory, but it does give the soup a wonderful creamy texture while still keeping some beans whole for bite. You can skip blending if you prefer a chunkier, stew-like soup.

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

You can, but be sure to soak and cook them thoroughly before adding to the recipe. Canned beans are a huge time-saver and work perfectly here.

How spicy is this soup?

The recipe has a nice gentle heat from the green chilies and chili powder but nothing overwhelming. You can adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like things hotter.

What toppings do you recommend?

Classic toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, and tortilla strips are fantastic. You can also try shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime for different flavor twists.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe is truly a winner for busy days, cozy meals, or anytime you want comfort in a bowl. Its straightforward ingredients and easy steps make it approachable, while the flavors remain rich and unforgettable. Give it a try and soon you’ll see why it’s one of my all-time favorite go-to dishes. Enjoy every spoonful!

Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Gabriel
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy black bean soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish combining fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and smoky spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual entertaining, it’s both comforting and nutritious with options for fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add Main Ingredients: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, diced green chilies with juices, and chopped red bell pepper. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes to blend flavors.
Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree most of the soup directly in the pot, leaving some texture so the soup remains slightly chunky. If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend in batches in a regular blender, then return to the pot.
Season and Finish: Stir in the lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for a couple more minutes to warm through.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of chopped cilantro, sour cream, tortilla strips, and avocado slices. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian or vegan; otherwise, chicken broth adds a richer flavor.
For a spicier kick, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
The soup can be made ahead and reheated, flavors often improve after resting overnight.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
To make the soup gluten-free, ensure broth and toppings like tortilla strips are certified gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Blending
Cuisine: American