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Homemade Black Bean Soup Recipe3
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Homemade Black Bean Soup Recipe

This Homemade Black Bean Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish that is easy to make with simple pantry staples. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it features smoky spices, fresh lime, and a velvety texture from pureed beans.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Comfort Food, Dairy-Free, Easy, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Quick, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 3 cans black beans 15-ounce, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth if preferred
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 14.5-ounce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional toppings sliced avocado, chopped green onions, plain yogurt or sour cream alternative

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to release the spices’ fragrant aromas.
  • Add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
  • Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup directly in the pot. Blend until about half of the soup is smooth, leaving the rest chunky for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer half the soup to a blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot.
  • Stir in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Add any optional toppings like sliced avocado, green onions, or a spoonful of plain yogurt or sour cream alternative for extra creaminess.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender
  • Blender

Notes

For best flavor, use canned black beans that are BPA-free or cook your own dried beans from scratch. Add a small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smokiness, and adjust heat with cayenne pepper or jalapeños. This soup freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.