Spicy Black Bean Soup
Spicy black bean soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients. Black beans, known for their high protein and fiber content, make the perfect base for a filling soup.
When combined with the bold flavors of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, along with a kick of heat from jalapeños, this soup transforms into a rich, savory experience.
It’s a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare, vegetarian (or vegan if you choose), and can be enjoyed year-round. Whether served on a chilly evening or as part of a fiesta spread, this spicy black bean soup is sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
Tortilla chips (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Spicy Black Bean Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the peppers have softened.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant and infused in the oil and vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth
Add the black beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and corn to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Blend the Soup (Optional)
For a thicker, creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. You can blend about half of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer a portion to a blender and then return it to the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
If you prefer a smoother consistency, feel free to blend the entire soup.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Stir in the lime juice and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice, if needed.
Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. For an extra touch of creaminess, top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Optionally, serve with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.
Chef’s Notes
Spice Level: The spice level of this soup can easily be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use only one pepper. If you love extra heat, add more jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce.
Beans: Using canned black beans is the most convenient option, but you can also use dried beans. If you opt for dried beans, be sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup.
Broth: Vegetable broth keeps this soup vegetarian, but chicken broth adds extra depth of flavor. You can also use water if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Add-Ins: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the soup for more texture and flavor. You can also stir in some cooked quinoa or rice to make the soup even heartier.
Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it later.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 280
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 12g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 20% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 6% of the Daily Value
Iron: 20% of the Daily Value
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Spicy black bean soup is a versatile, nutritious, and satisfying meal that can be easily adapted to suit various tastes. Whether you enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lime, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, this soup makes a great addition to any meal. Enjoy it on its own, or serve it with a side of rice or a simple salad for a complete, filling meal.