ADVERTISEMENT
## **Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Black Bean Soup**
This easy black bean soup comes together quickly, and the result is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of black bean soup.
### **Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
1. **Chop the Vegetables**: Dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and chop the tomatoes. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces.
2. **Drain and Rinse the Beans**: If you’re using canned black beans, drain them and rinse them well under cold water to remove any excess sodium. If you’re using dried beans, make sure they’ve been soaked and cooked.
### **Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. **Heat Olive Oil**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Sauté the Onion, Garlic, Carrot, and Celery**: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
### **Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth**
1. **Add the Black Beans**: Add the drained black beans to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
2. **Add the Tomatoes and Broth**: Pour in the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
### **Step 4: Season the Soup**
1. **Add the Spices**: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
2. **Simmer**: Let the soup simmer over low to medium heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
### **Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional)**
For a smoother soup, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or transfer about half of the soup to a blender, then return it to the pot. This will give the soup a creamier texture while still retaining some of the whole beans and vegetables for texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.
### **Step 6: Taste and Adjust**
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or more chili powder.
### **Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for added texture.
—
## **Customizations and Variations**
While this easy black bean soup recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking:
1. **Add Meat**: If you’re not vegetarian, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the soup for added protein and richness.
2. **Make it Spicier**: Increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder.
3. **Add Greens**: For an extra nutritional boost, add some spinach, kale, or other greens to the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
4. **Coconut Black Bean Soup**: Add a can of coconut milk to the soup to make it creamy and slightly sweet, giving the soup a tropical twist.
5. **Use Different Beans**: Feel free to mix in other beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans for a different flavor.
—
## **Conclusion: A Delicious, Easy, and Nutritious Meal**
**Easy black bean soup** is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this soup is sure to hit the mark. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s not just tasty—it’s good for you, too.
With a few basic ingredients and some simple seasonings, you can have a rich, hearty soup that satisfies your hunger and nourishes your body. So, grab your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a bowl of delicious black bean soup today!
