Name: Easy Black Bean Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 29, 2026

Black bean soup is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that's packed with flavor and simple to make using pantry ingredients. This easy black bean soup hits all of those "naughty nacho" cravings with significantly less fat and carbs, and with much more fiber, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. With a rich blend of southwestern spices, a touch of lime, and the perfect creamy texture, this homemade soup is a staple in our house.

From the Cook

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Easy Black Bean Soup

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 chopped onions, 3 finely chopped celery ribs, 1 chopped carrot, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté for 10-15 minutes until softened.

Stir in 6 cloves of garlic, 4 teaspoons of ground cumin, 3 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth, 4 cans (15 oz each) of black beans, 1 bay leaf, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 1 cup of corn kernels. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of lime juice and ¼ cup of chopped cilantro. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

For a thicker texture, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or a potato masher.

Serve hot with toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Bean Liquid Gold 💧
Reserve some bean cooking liquid to adjust soup consistency and add deeper, richer flavor instead of just using broth.
Spice Layer Technique 🌶️
Toast dry spices like cumin and smoked paprika in olive oil for 30-45 seconds before adding vegetables to release their essential oils and maximize flavor complexity.
Texture Transformation 🥄
Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, creating a creamy texture while leaving some beans whole for added mouthfeel and visual interest.
Acid Balance Magic 🍋
Add lime juice at the very end of cooking to brighten the entire dish and cut through the soup's richness, using about 1-2 tablespoons per 4 servings.
Aromatic Base Perfection 🧅
Finely dice onions, carrots, and celery to create a classic mirepoix that will provide a deep, foundational flavor for your black bean soup.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.