Description
A hearty and flavorful Spicy Black Bean Soup made with simple pantry ingredients. Easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (or more, depending on desired heat)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, a squeeze of lime juice
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 2. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño peppers to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas.
- 4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- 5. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the bay leaf. Stir everything together.
- 6. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes.
- 7. Remove and discard the bay leaf. If desired, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or carefully transfer about half to a regular blender until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- 8. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 9. Serve hot, with your favorite garnishes.
Notes
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3-4 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 250-300 (without garnishes)
- Sugar: Approx. 8-10g
- Sodium: Varies based on broth and added salt
- Fat: Approx. 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g
- Fiber: Approx. 15-20g
- Protein: Approx. 12-15g