Black bean soup is so hearty and satisfying that even your most carnivorous friends will ask for seconds. Black beans are packed with fiber and potassium and high in protein, making them a nutritious choice if you want to consume less meat. When blended with aromatic vegetables, zesty lime juice and jalapenos, they make a plant-based soup that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Use canned beans (handy when you’re short on time) to make this black bean soup recipe a breeze. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, it will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Black Bean Soup Ingredients
- Black beans: Black beans are the main character in this story. They provide protein and fiber as well as hearty texture and earthy flavor (that’s probably why there are so many black bean recipes out there). Some beans get mashed to thicken the soup, while the rest are left whole to add substance and textural variety. Be sure to rinse your beans well first!
- Aromatics: Celery and onions are the backbone of this soup, with the celery adding a subtle crunch and a hint of bitterness. I always like to have some on hand, and I make sure to store celery properly to keep it crispy. Onions release their natural sugars as they cook, providing a sweet and savory base.
- Peppers: Each type of pepper has a distinct flavor profile. Red peppers are sweet and add vibrant color to the soup. They also give the dish a boost of vitamins A and C for even more good-for-you vibes. Jalapenos are hot—the seeds especially! Remove them for a milder heat, or leave a few in the mix to kick the spice up a notch.
- Olive oil: Even if it’s more of a background player in this soup, cook the vegetables in the best olive oil you can find for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic adds fragrant aromatics to the soup. Freshly minced garlic cloves will pack the most punch, but the jars of minced garlic save time (and sticky garlic fingers).
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Chicken broth adds a meatier flavor, while vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian or vegan.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, when mixed with green peppers and onions, add acidity, sweetness and additional texture.
- Spices: Warm and earthy cumin, citrusy coriander, floral black pepper and herbal bay leaf expand the flavor of this soup.
- Louisiana-style hot sauce: This style of hot sauce provides a subtle vinegar undertone that balances the flavors of this soup. Some options for Louisiana-style hot sauce include Tabasco and Frank’s RedHot sauce.
- Lime juice: Lime juice adds a fresh, tangy acidity that brightens the soup’s flavor and balances the richness of the beans and spices.
- Sour cream: Sour cream is the ultimate black bean soup garnish, offering cool contrast to the soup’s spice. You can use low-fat sour cream or even Greek yogurt in its place.
- Green onions: Green onions, also known as scallions, add a pop of color and some fresh mild flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Mash some beans
In a small bowl, mash one can of black beans. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute the celery, onion, red pepper and jalapeno in oil until they’re tender. Add the garlic and cook for one minute longer.
Editor’s Tip: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers, as the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face after you’ve touched hot peppers, too. If you get spicy jalapeno juice in your eyes, flush them with cool water.
Step 3: Add the black beans and broth
Stir in the broth, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, hot sauce, pepper, bay leaf, mashed black beans and remaining whole beans. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer the soup for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the soup
Discard the bay leaf and stir in the lime juice. Ladle the soup in bowls and garnish each serving with 1 tablespoon of sour cream and 1-1/2 teaspoons of green onion.
Black Bean Soup Variations
- Make slow-cooker black bean soup: Throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker for a few hours and make slow-cooked black bean soup.
- Add chicken: For an extra protein boost, add a couple of cups of cubed cooked chicken to the broth.
- Sprinkle with bacon: Bacon added to the soup or sprinkled on top as a garnish takes this black bean soup to another level.
- Spice it up: Curry powder adds a new flavor dimension that transforms the soup.
- Serve it with grains: For an even more filling main dish, serve your soup over quinoa, rice or another whole grain.
- Clean out the fridge: Add those veggies that are threatening to go bad. Try the soup with chopped zucchini, carrots or green peppers to start. They boost the nutritional value, add more textures and prevent waste.
How to Store Black Bean Soup
Store black bean soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days.
Can you freeze black bean soup?
Yes, freezing soup is always a good idea. Make sure the soup cools completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in a saucepan or in the microwave.
How do you reheat black bean soup?
Reheating black bean soup is easy. Once thawed, reheat it on the stove over medium heat until it’s warm. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely and heat it in one-minute intervals, stirring between them, until it’s hot.
Black Bean Soup Tips
How do you thicken black bean soup?
This recipe calls for mashing one can of black beans to help thicken the soup. If your soup is still thinner or more watery than you would like, remove some of the broth into a separate bowl and whisk in a little cornstarch. Return the mixture to the pot of soup and continue to cook and stir to thicken it. You can blend all of your simmered ingredients with an immersion blender for a smoother, more even texture.
What can you serve with black bean soup?
There is no wrong answer! Black bean soup is an easy vegetarian recipe that can be enjoyed for the first course of a meal or as the main event. Serve it with your favorite taco recipes or with spinach quesadillas. And don’t forget the chips and guacamole! The best thing about this recipe for black bean soup is that it’s hearty and filling, even on its own.
