There’s something enchanting about the first spoonful of a warm black bean soup, especially on a chilly evening. The inviting aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafts through the kitchen, making your heart feel just a little lighter. This creamy black bean soup is not only a delightful way to warm up but also a burst of flavor and nutrition, making it the perfect meal when you’re pressed for time and energy.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity; using just a handful of pantry staples, it transforms into a luxurious dish with minimal fuss. The soup is thickened to perfection without a drop of cream, relying instead on the rich textures of blended beans. It’s vegan, hearty, and incredibly versatile—ideal for customizing with your favorite toppings or serving alongside fresh tortilla chips.
Let’s dive into this deliciously easy black bean soup that will become a comforting staple in your home.
Why is Black Bean Soup a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its finest: With minimal prep and cooking time, this soup allows you to whip up a healthy dinner in no time.
Flavor-packed adventure: The rich flavors from chipotle and spices create a taste sensation like no other.
Nutrient-rich comfort: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not just filling but beneficial for your health.
Customizable delight: Add your favorite toppings for a unique twist every time.
Hands-free cooking: Let simmer while you unwind, making it truly effortless during busy evenings.
Black Bean Soup Ingredients
For the Base
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and a subtle flavor. Use any other oil if preferred.
- Medium yellow onion – Provides base flavor through sautéing. Shallots can be used as a substitute.
- Celery ribs – Adds depth and flavor; replacements include additional bell peppers.
- Medium carrot – Offers sweetness; can be swapped with parsnip or omitted for lower carbs.
- Sea salt – Enhances flavors; adjust to preference.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Adds warmth; can be replaced by white pepper for a milder taste.
- Garlic cloves – Infuses a robust flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
For the Spices
- Ground cumin – Provides earthy warmth; oregano can be a substitute for a different flavor profile.
- Ground coriander – Introduces citrus notes; omit if unavailable.
- Chili powder – Adds heat and color; adjust to taste or use smoked paprika for a different flavor.
For the Soup
- Canned black beans (2 – 15 oz cans) – Main ingredient; includes the liquid for creaminess. Substitute with other canned beans if needed, but it will change flavor.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo (2 peppers + 2 tbsp sauce) – Adds distinct smokiness and spice; reduce quantity for milder soup.
- Vegetable broth (1 ½ cups) – Acts as the soup’s liquid base; can use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens the soup; feel free to add more to taste. Serve with wedges for garnish.
Optional Toppings
- Avocado – Creamy addition that enhances flavor and texture.
- Cilantro – Fresh herb that brings brightness to the dish.
- Sour cream or vegan sour cream – Adds a dollop of creaminess, perfect for balancing spices.
- Pickled onions – Bright and tangy crunch to contrast the soup.
- Serrano peppers – For an extra kick of heat if desired.
- Pepitas – Toasted seeds for a delightful crunch and additional nutrients.
How to Make Black Bean Soup
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Heat oil: Pour the extra-virgin olive oil into a large pot over medium heat, allowing it to warm up for a minute. This will create a rich base for your soup.
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Sauté veggies: Add chopped onion, celery, and carrot into the pot. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
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Spice it up: Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
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Combine ingredients: Add the canned black beans (with their liquid), chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well, bringing everything together for a symphony of flavors.
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Simmer: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You might notice the soup thickening during this time.
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Blend: Allow the soup to cool slightly, then blend half of it until smooth using an immersion blender. This will create a creamy texture without any cream, enhancing the soup’s luxurious feel.
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Final touches: Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in fresh lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of optional toppings.
Optional: Top with fresh cilantro or creamy avocado for a delightful garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Black Bean Soup with Chipotle Spice?
There’s nothing like a wholesome meal that embraces a variety of flavors and textures, making every bite a new adventure.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping, their crunchy texture adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy soup, enhancing the whole experience.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy and satisfying, this pairing complements the smoky flavors in the soup while adding healthy fats.
- Cornbread Muffins: Lightly sweet, fluffy cornbread balances the spicy kick of the soup and is perfect for sopping up every last drop.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combo, the melty cheese perfectly contrasts the spiciness of the soup, creating a comforting, nostalgic meal.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad made with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette offers a light complement to the rich soup.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickled onions or radishes cuts through the creaminess, adding brightness and an exciting crunch.
- Lime Margaritas: A chilled drink with citrus notes mirrors the lime in the soup, refreshing your palate and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, this creamy, rich mousse keeps the avocado theme while offering a delightful, indulgent conclusion to the meal.
How to Store and Freeze Black Bean Soup
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps your creamy black bean soup fresh and ready for quick meals.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing, leaving space at the top for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy your frozen soup, transfer it to the fridge 24 hours before serving to thaw.
Expert Tips for Black Bean Soup
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Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer period will deepen the overall flavor profile, enhancing the richness of your black bean soup.
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Start Mild: If you’re cautious about spice, begin with just one chipotle pepper and taste as you go. You can always add more for heat but can’t take it out!
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Immersion Blender Convenience: Using an immersion blender directly in the pot makes blending easier and minimizes mess. This helps achieve that creamy texture without transferring hot liquid.
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Check Seasoning: Always taste before serving! Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice levels to suit your preference to ensure a flavorful black bean soup.
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Top It Off: Garnishing with fresh toppings like avocado or cilantro not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation, making your dish more inviting.
Black Bean Soup Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore delicious twists on this iconic black bean soup by tailoring it to your taste and pantry ingredients!
- Bean Swap: Replace black beans with pinto or kidney beans for a unique flavor and texture.
- Add Sweetness: Toss in some corn or diced bell peppers for a delightful burst of sweetness.
- Extra Creaminess: Blend in a dollop of coconut cream after cooking for a tropical twist that’s absolutely divine.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be added during the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant flavor boost.
- Seasonal Veggies: Stir in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrients and color.
- Spice Adjustment: Fine-tune the heat by increasing or decreasing the chipotle peppers according to your spice tolerance.
- Citrus Zing: For an extra tang, incorporate orange juice along with the lime juice for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or almonds on top before serving for an extra crunchy texture.
Each variation brings a fresh new character to this beloved soup, embracing your creativity in the kitchen!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Black Bean Soup with Chipotle Spice are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save some time! You can chop all your vegetables (onion, celery, and carrot) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can also combine the canned black beans, chipotles, and vegetable broth in a separate container up to 3 days ahead; this makes for an easy assembly when it’s time to cook. When ready to enjoy, simply sauté the veggies, add in your prepped ingredients, and continue with the simmering and blending steps. Trust me, the flavors will be just as vibrant and delicious!
Black Bean Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of black beans should I use?
Absolutely! Traditional canned black beans work best for this recipe, but you can substitute them with pinto or kidney beans if needed. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile, so adjust remaining seasonings accordingly.
How do I store leftover black bean soup?
Store your black bean soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and convenient for quick meals. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to preserve its delicious flavor!
Can I freeze black bean soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Pour the cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Very easy! If you’re concerned about the heat from the chipotle peppers, start with just one pepper and taste as you go. You can always add an extra pepper later if you want more warmth. Alternatively, using less adobo sauce can also help control the spiciness.
Is this black bean soup safe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This black bean soup is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for various diets. Just ensure no added toppings contain allergens, such as dairy or gluten. For pet owners, keep in mind that certain seasonings like garlic can be harmful to dogs, so take care with serving.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This creamy black bean soup can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully. Just cool it down, refrigerate, and reheat when you are ready to serve. Enjoy the delightful convenience of pre-made comfort food!
Creamy Black Bean Soup with Smoky Chipotle Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour the extra-virgin olive oil into a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and carrot into the pot. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add canned black beans (with liquid), chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly, then blend half of it until smooth with an immersion blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in lime juice, and adjust seasoning before serving.