This is, without a doubt, the best Black Bean Soup recipe you will ever make. It’s incredibly rich, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Forget the bland, watery soups of the past; this recipe delivers a thick, hearty, and satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered for hours, but it comes together in under 45 minutes. Whether you need a comforting lunch or a simple dinner, this soup is a guaranteed winner.
We’ve designed this soup to be not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan. Keep reading to discover how to achieve the perfect consistency, customize the spice level, and find the perfect toppings to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Black Bean Soup
There are countless reasons to adore this recipe, but here are just a few that will make you want to cook it tonight.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A perfect blend of aromatics like garlic and onion, combined with earthy cumin and a hint of chili powder, creates a deep, smoky flavor profile. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens everything up beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: Using canned black beans makes this recipe incredibly convenient. From chopping the veggies to simmering the soup, you can have a delicious meal on the table in less than 45 minutes.
- Pantry Staples: This recipe relies on common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, like canned beans, onions, garlic, and spices.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Black beans are a fantastic source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. This soup is a wholesome meal that will keep you full and satisfied for hours. For another healthy and satisfying dish, you might love this Vegan Greek Salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Soup
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables. A good quality extra virgin olive oil works best.
- Onion and Garlic: The essential aromatic base for any great soup. Yellow or white onion will work perfectly.
- Jalapeño: Adds a subtle kick of heat. Remove the seeds and membranes for less spice.
- Spices: A simple yet powerful combination of cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano gives the soup its signature smoky and savory flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Use a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Canned Black Beans: The star of the show! Using canned beans is a huge time-saver. Be sure to rinse and drain them well.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end is non-negotiable. It cuts through the richness and brightens all the flavors.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan, you can omit it or use fresh parsley.
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra chopped cilantro
- A dash of hot sauce
How to Make Black Bean Soup (Step-by-Step)
Making this delicious soup is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Blend for Creaminess: This is the key to a perfectly thick Black Bean Soup. Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer 2-3 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Black Bean Soup
Want to take your soup from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Taking the time to properly soften the onions and bloom the spices is crucial for building a deep flavor base.
- Blend to Your Liking: The beauty of this soup is its texture. For a chunkier soup, blend less. For a super smooth and creamy soup, blend more.
- Let it Simmer: The longer the soup simmers, the more developed the flavors will become. If you have extra time, let it simmer for up to 30 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. It might need an extra pinch of salt, another squeeze of lime, or a bit more cumin to be perfect. If you enjoy one-pot meals, try our one-pot Italian sausage orzo recipe next.
Customizations and Variations
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Make it Spicy: For a spicier black bean soup, leave the seeds in the jalapeño, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Bulk up the soup by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onion. A cup of frozen or fresh corn added during the last 10 minutes of simmering is also delicious.
- Add Protein: For a non-vegetarian version, add some cooked chorizo or shredded chicken. For a hearty meal, consider pairing it with our Crockpot BBQ Chicken.
- Make it Vegan: The base recipe is already vegan! Just be sure to use vegan toppings like dairy-free sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Bean Soup
Absolutely! You will need to soak and cook the dried beans first. To replace three 15-ounce cans of beans, you will need about 1.5 cups of dried black beans. Cook them according to package directions until they are tender, then proceed with the recipe as written.
The best way to thicken black bean soup is by blending a portion of it. Use an immersion blender to blend about half the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, transfer 2-3 cups to a regular blender, puree until smooth, and stir it back in. The starches from the blended beans will create a wonderfully creamy and thick consistency.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld and it often tastes even better the next day! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
Yes, black bean soup is a very healthy choice! Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. This soup is naturally low in fat, and using low-sodium broth keeps the sodium content in check.
The best toppings add contrast in texture and flavor. Some popular choices include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
The Ultimate Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe
Black Bean Soup (The Ultimate Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer 2-3 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Share This Delicious Recipe!
If you loved this easy Black Bean Soup recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Pin it to your favorite soup board on Pinterest so you can always find it. We love seeing your creations!
