Spicy Black Bean Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Spicy Black Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings warmth and a touch of heat to your table. Perfect for a cozy night in or a simple yet satisfying meal, it's packed with spices and freshness.

Ingredients for Spicy Black Bean Soup

Olive oil is our base for sautéing, adding a gentle richness. The onion brings a sweet depth. Garlic is a must for its aromatic punch. The jalapeño gives a nice kick, but you can tweak the heat by using more or less. Ground cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and smokiness, while cayenne pepper dials up the spice. The vegetable broth is our flavorful liquid, making the soup hearty. Black beans provide substance and protein. Diced tomatoes add acidity and brightness. A splash of lime juice at the end balances the flavors beautifully. Finally, cilantro offers a fresh finish, but if you're not a fan, feel free to skip it.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer less heat, use half a jalapeño or skip the cayenne.
  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
  • Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer some of the soup to a regular blender—just be careful with hot liquids!

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of rice or a warm, cheesy quesadilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them first, which will add to the prep time.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Is it possible to make this soup less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper.

Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, which should take about five minutes. Once your onions are ready, add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño. Cook them together for two minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant.

Now it’s time to add your spices: ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir them into the pot, letting the heat release their aromatic oils for about a minute. Then, pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the black beans and diced tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lime juice and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

If you like a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired consistency. Finally, serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with pantry staples.
  • Rich in flavor thanks to a blend of spices.
  • Protein-packed and vegetarian-friendly.
  • Can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
3 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir for 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired consistency.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

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