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For this cozy dish, gather the following items: - 2 cups dried black beans (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 2 teaspoons chili powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Juice of 1 fresh lime - Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish - Optional toppings: sour cream or diced avocado You can switch some ingredients to fit your taste or what's in your pantry: - Use canned beans for quick prep. - Swap bell pepper for jalapeño for extra heat. - Replace vegetable broth with chicken broth if you like. - Use fresh herbs like parsley if cilantro isn’t your favorite. - For a creamier soup, add coconut milk instead of lime juice. This soup is hearty and healthy. Here’s what you get per serving: - Calories: 210 - Protein: 12g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Dietary Fiber: 10g - Fat: 6g - Sodium: 400mg - Vitamin A: 30% of daily value - Vitamin C: 25% of daily value This information helps you gauge how the soup fits into your diet. Enjoy the warmth and flavor while nourishing your body! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by deciding if you want to use dried or canned beans. If you choose dried beans, soak them overnight in water. This helps them cook faster. The next day, drain and rinse the beans before using. If you prefer canned beans, just drain and rinse them under cold water. Canned beans save time and still taste great. Next, grab a large pot and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Stir them every now and then for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step makes the veggies soft and lets their flavors bloom. You want them to smell delicious! Now it's time to spice things up! Add the minced garlic along with ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir for another 1 to 2 minutes. This will make the spices fragrant. Then, add the soaked (or canned) black beans and diced tomatoes with their juice. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir everything well. Bring this mix to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer. If you're using dried beans, simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. If you went with canned beans, 15 to 20 minutes will do. This step lets the beans soften and all the flavors come together. After simmering, you can choose how smooth you want your soup. Use an immersion blender to puree part of it for creaminess. If you like it chunky, leave it as is. Both ways taste great and add a unique feel to the soup! Before serving, stir in fresh lime juice. Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot in bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. For an extra treat, add sour cream or avocado on top. This soup is cozy, filling, and sure to warm you up! To make your soup just right, you can change the spice. Start with a little cayenne pepper. If you like more heat, add more a bit at a time. Taste after each addition. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. If it gets too hot, add more beans or a dollop of sour cream to cool it down. Flavor is key in any dish. Here are some tips to boost your soup's taste: - Use fresh spices for a bold flavor. - Sauté your vegetables until they soften. This step helps release their natural sugars. - Adding lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors. - Let the soup sit for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen. Serve your spicy black bean soup hot. Here are some great ideas for sides and toppings: - Top with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch. - Add a dollop of sour cream or creamy avocado for richness. - Pair with warm crusty bread or tortilla chips for a crunchy bite. - Serve with a side salad for a fresh, light meal. These tips will help you make the best spicy black bean soup. Enjoy! Pro Tips Soaking Beans: Soaking dried black beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also helps improve their digestibility and flavor. Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you desire a spicier kick! Texture Preference: If you enjoy a chunkier soup, only blend a portion of it. This adds creaminess while still keeping some beans whole for that hearty texture. Flavor Enhancer: Adding lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors of the soup, giving it a fresh and zesty finish. {{image_4}} You can easily make this soup vegan or vegetarian. Start with vegetable broth, which is already in the recipe. Use canned beans or soaked dried beans, both are great choices. This soup is packed with flavor, so you won't miss any meat. Add a splash of coconut milk for a rich twist. You can also try adding more spices, like coriander or turmeric, for extra depth. For a heartier soup, consider adding protein or grains. You can mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice for added texture. If you want to add protein, try chickpeas or diced tofu. These options help make the soup more filling and nutritious. You can also use shredded chicken if you prefer a non-vegetarian option. Feel free to swap or add different vegetables. Corn adds a sweet crunch, while zucchini offers a nice texture. Spinach or kale can boost the nutrition and color. If you like a bit of heat, diced jalapeños work great. Carrots and celery are already in the recipe, but you can add bell peppers of different colors for a colorful soup. Mixing in seasonal veggies keeps it fresh and fun! After you enjoy your spicy black bean soup, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Store the container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. You can also save it in smaller portions for easy meals. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take the soup out of the fridge. Pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to warm it up evenly. If it looks thick, add a little water or broth. Heat until hot, but don’t let it boil. To freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The soup will expand as it freezes. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your soup anytime with these easy storage tips! Yes, you can use canned beans. They save time and are easy to use. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup. If you use canned beans, reduce the cooking time. Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes instead of 30 to 40 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well without overcooking the beans. To make the soup milder, cut back on the cayenne pepper. You can start with a pinch or skip it altogether. Another option is to add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. This will balance the spice. You can also serve sour cream or avocado on top to cool down the heat. Common toppings for Spicy Black Bean Soup include: - Sour cream - Diced avocado - Fresh cilantro - Chopped green onions - Crumbled tortilla chips These toppings add flavor and texture, making each bowl even better. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Just follow these steps: 1. Prepare the beans as you would for stovetop cooking. 2. Sauté the vegetables in a pan first for better flavor. 3. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. 4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a rich and hearty soup. This blog covered how to make a delicious Spicy Black Bean Soup. We reviewed all the ingredients, including smart substitutions and nutritional facts. I shared simple steps for cooking, sautéing, and simmering to achieve the best texture. You learned tips for adjusting spice levels and pairing suggestions to enhance flavor. We also explored variations, including vegan options and protein additions. Finally, you now know the best ways to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoy making this soup your own and savor each bowl!

Zesty Spicy Black Bean Soup

A flavorful and hearty black bean soup with a zesty kick, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried black beans
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 fresh lime, juiced
  • to garnish fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • optional sour cream
  • optional diced avocado

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Beans: If using dried black beans, soak them in plenty of water overnight. When ready to cook, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them well under cold water.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables become tender and aromatic.
  • Add the Spices: Mix in the minced garlic along with the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Combine All Ingredients: Add the soaked black beans (or drained canned beans) and the diced tomatoes with their juice into the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir until well incorporated.
  • Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a vigorous boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes if using dried beans, or 15 to 20 minutes if using canned beans.
  • Blend for Creaminess: After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency, or leave it chunky for a heartier texture.
  • Finish with Lime: Stir in the fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve with Flair: Serve the soup hot in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Optionally, add sour cream or avocado on top.

Notes

For an inviting touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the top before serving, and consider serving with warm, crusty bread or tortilla chips.
Keyword black beans, soup, spicy, vegetarian