From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Instructions
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
Stir in 2 tablespoons of lime juice and ¼ cup of chopped cilantro. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5
For a thicker texture, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or a potato masher.
6
Serve hot with toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Build a Flavor Base with Blooming Spices 🌟Toast the cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika in olive oil for 30-60 seconds before adding vegetables to unlock their essential oils and deepen the soup's southwestern complexity.
- Blend Partially for Perfect Texture 🥣Use an immersion blender on just one-third of the soup to create a naturally creamy base without added cream, maintaining hearty bean pieces throughout.
- Caramelize Your Aromatics 🧅Cook onions, celery, and carrots for 8-10 minutes until they develop golden edges; this creates a sweet, rich foundation that elevates the entire soup's depth.
- Finish with Lime and Fresh Cilantro 🍋Add lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving rather than during cooking to preserve their bright, fresh acidity that balances the heavy spices.
- Use Canned Beans Strategically 🥫Rinse canned black beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and starch, preventing a gummy texture while keeping the low-sodium broth as your main seasoning control.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Vegan
Low-Cholesterol
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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