Smoky Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup

Name: Smoky Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp chipotle powder; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lime, juiced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Avocado slices, for garnish; Tortilla chips, for serving

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Smoky Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl. With its rich, smoky flavors and hearty ingredients, it's the perfect meal for those chilly nights. Plus, it's as nourishing as it is delicious.

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Ingredients for Smoky Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup

Olive oil serves as the base for sautéing, adding a healthy fat and subtle richness. Onion and garlic are the aromatics that build the soup's foundational flavor. Smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chipotle powder bring the smoky, spicy notes that make this soup stand out. Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and creaminess when cooked. Vegetable broth provides the liquid base, while black beans contribute protein and heartiness. Diced tomatoes add acidity and depth. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors, and fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herbal finish. For garnish, avocado slices provide creaminess and tortilla chips offer a delightful crunch.

Tips & Tricks

If you like more heat, add a pinch more chipotle powder.
For a thicker soup, mash some of the sweet potatoes against the pot's side before adding the black beans.
Rinse the black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. If you're feeling adventurous, try topping it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?: Yes, it freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
What if I don't have chipotle powder?: You can substitute with a dash of cayenne pepper and a little more smoked paprika.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?: Reduce or omit the chipotle powder for a milder taste.

Smoky Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent. This should take about five minutes. Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Stir them around for a minute to let the spices bloom and release their aromas.

Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the sweet potatoes are ready, stir in the black beans and diced tomatoes. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to marry and the sweet potatoes to become fully tender.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Before serving, stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve the soup hot, topped with creamy avocado slices and crunchy tortilla chips.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packs a punch of smoky, spicy flavor with every spoonful.
Hearty and filling, yet completely plant-based.
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Full of nutrients, thanks to sweet potatoes and black beans.
Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp chipotle powder

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lime, juiced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Avocado slices, for garnish

Tortilla chips, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.

2. Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.

3. Add sweet potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Stir in black beans and diced tomatoes. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.