Spiced Citrus Black Bean Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're looking for a soup that's as comforting as it is vibrant, you've found it. This Spiced Citrus Black Bean Soup is a delightful blend of hearty black beans, zesty citrus, and a kick of spices that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for those chilly days or whenever you need a flavor boost.

Ingredients for Spiced Citrus Black Bean Soup

The magic starts with olive oil, giving the soup a rich, smooth base. Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation, while cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper add a warm, spicy depth. The star of the show, black beans, offers heartiness and protein. Vegetable broth ties everything together with a savory note. The surprising twist comes from orange juice and lime juice, which brighten the soup with their citrusy tang. Finally, red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, while cilantro brings a fresh, herbal finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender, blend, and then return it to the pot.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or leaving it out altogether if you prefer milder heat.
  • For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or simmer longer to let it reduce.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a side of tortilla chips, perfect for dipping. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice. A simple side salad with a citrus dressing complements the zesty notes in the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned black beans?
Absolutely! Just make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you're not a cilantro fan, try using fresh parsley or green onions for a different but still fresh taste.

Spiced Citrus Black Bean Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Now, sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir them around for a minute to let their flavors bloom.

Next, add in your black beans and vegetable broth. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, pour in the orange juice and lime juice. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the citrus to meld with the spices.

Stir in the diced red bell pepper, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes so the bell pepper softens just a bit but stays vibrant.

For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. You want it smooth but with some chunks left for texture. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving. This keeps its flavor fresh and bright.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • A delightful balance of savory and zesty flavors.
  • Packed with protein and fiber from black beans.
  • Vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 cups cooked black beans
4 cups vegetable broth
1 orange, juiced
1 lime, juiced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, sliced for garnish
Tortilla chips, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cook for another minute.
4. Add black beans and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in orange juice and lime juice, continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add diced red bell pepper, salt, and black pepper, simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to desired consistency.
8. Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.
9. Garnish with avocado slices and serve with tortilla chips.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!