This hearty and flavorful Mexican Style Black Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food for any time of year. Packed with protein-rich black beans, vibrant spices, and fresh toppings, itโs a meal thatโs as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether youโre looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup has got you covered.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy:ย This soup comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Healthy and Satisfying:ย Loaded with black beans, vegetables, and spices, itโs a nutrient-packed dish that keeps you full.
- Customizable:ย Perfect for adding your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or sour cream.
- Great for Meal Prep:ย Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Black beans
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Green chilies
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sautรฉ until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the black beans and let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or sliced avocado.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4-6
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 30 minutes
- Total Time:ย 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicier:ย Add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamier:ย Stir in a dollop of sour cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Protein Boost:ย Add shredded chicken or cooked sausage.
- Vegetable-Packed:ย Toss in diced zucchini, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:ย Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened during storage.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned black beans?
Yes, canned black beans work perfectly in this recipe and save time. Just be sure to rinse and drain them first.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors only get better as the soup sits. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth and skip any dairy-based toppings.
4. What toppings go well with this soup?
Popular options include avocado slices, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
5. Can I use dried black beans?
Yes, but youโll need to soak and cook them in advance before using them in the recipe.
6. How can I make the soup thicker?
Blend more of the soup or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
7. Is this soup spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the amount of chili powder and green chilies used. Adjust to your taste.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd or for meal prep.
9. What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs well with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or a side of rice.
10. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Sautรฉ the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
Mexican Style Black Bean Soup is a simple yet delicious dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors, easy preparation, and healthy ingredients, itโs sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort any time you need it.
Print
Mexican Style Black Bean Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 40 minutes 1x
- Category: Soup, Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty and flavorful Mexican-style black bean soup is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with protein, spices, and fresh toppings, it’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish with tortilla chips or warm cornbread.
Ingredients
- Soup Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Beans and Broth:
- 4 cups cooked black beans (or 2 cans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegan option)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fire-roasted tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for added tang)
- Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream or vegan yogurt
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Tortilla strips or chips
- Sliced jalapeรฑos
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:ย Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautรฉ for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, and carrots, and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the Spices:ย Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir well to coat the vegetables and toast the spices for about 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients:ย Add the black beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Soup:ย Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend for Texture:ย Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy yet chunky texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Finish and Serve:ย Stir in lime juice, if desired, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during cooking.
- This soup freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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