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Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe

4.5 from 102 reviews

This Easy Black Bean Soup is a flavorful, comforting, and nutritious meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop. Featuring fire-roasted tomatoes, smoky spices, and a perfect balance of chunky and creamy textures, this soup makes a satisfying lunch or dinner option. Customize it with your favorite toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for added freshness and creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (14 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
  • 3 (14 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies with juices
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla strips
  • Avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and begins to lightly brown for added flavor.
  2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, diced green chilies (with juices), chopped red bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, leave the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  4. Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender or transferring portions carefully into a regular blender, blend most of the soup to your desired consistency—leaving some chunks for texture. Be cautious with hot liquid to avoid splatters.
  5. Finish and Season: Stir in the lime juice, then season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed since the beans and broth may need extra salt.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, tortilla strips, and avocado slices. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • If you prefer a fully smooth texture, blend the entire soup, otherwise leave some chunky for a heartier mouthfeel.
  • Use vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more diced green chilies or chili powder if desired.
  • This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
  • Letting the soup rest for a few minutes after blending can help deepen the flavors.

Keywords: black bean soup, easy soup recipe, vegetarian soup, Mexican soup, healthy soup, one pot soup, fire roasted tomatoes