Hearty Black Bean Soup Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Vegan-Friendly

The beauty of black bean soup lies in its versatility; it can be served on its own as a nourishing meal or dressed up with toppings like avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a more indulgent experience.

This black bean soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, using pantry staples that come together in no time. By blending a portion of the beans, you achieve a perfect balance between a smooth, creamy texture and chunky bites of tender beans and vegetables. The result is a soup that’s both filling and full of flavor, perfect for meal prepping or serving on busy weeknights. Plus, with just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your meal rotation, offering a healthy and delicious option for the whole family. 

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)

• 3 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Sliced avocado

• Shredded cheese

• Crushed tortilla chips

• Hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Spices:
   Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, chili powder (if using), and oregano. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors bloom, stirring frequently.

3. Add the Beans and Broth:
   Pour in the vegetable broth, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and bay leaf. Stir everything together, bringing the soup to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Soup:
   Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup will thicken as it cooks.

5. Blend Part of the Soup:
   Once the soup has simmered, remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (about 1/3) for a creamier texture, or transfer a portion to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

6. Finish with Lime and Seasoning:
   Stir in the lime juice, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder.

7. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes like cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese. Serve with tortilla chips or warm crusty bread on the side.

Pro Tip:

For even more depth of flavor, sauté the spices with a teaspoon of tomato paste before adding the broth. This gives the soup a richer, slightly smoky taste.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful black bean soup!

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