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Easy, Hearty Black Bean Soup for Weeknight Dinners

Overhead view of a bowl of rich, dark black bean soup garnished with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro.

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Compose a flavorful life with this simple black bean soup recipe. It is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and delivers a satisfying, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings: Avocado slices, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed black beans and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup until creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer half of the soup to a standard blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This creates a creamy texture while keeping some whole beans for body.
  6. Stir in the lime juice. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  7. Serve the hearty black bean soup hot. Offer your favorite toppings on the side for customization.

Notes

  • For a vegan black bean soup, use vegan sour cream or skip the dairy topping.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; the flavor deepens overnight.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, blend all of the contents before seasoning.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce during simmering for a smoky, spicy black bean soup variation.

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