Name: Easy Black Bean Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 onions; 3 ribs celery; 1 carrot; 0.5 tsp salt; 6 cloves garlic; 4 teaspoons ground cumin; 3 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 4 cans black beans; 1 bay leaf; 1 bell pepper; 1 cup corn kernels; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 0.25 cup cilantro

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Easy Black Bean Soup

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Ingredients

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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.