One-Pot Black Bean Soup
This incredible Black Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced optional
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained 15-ounce
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 14.5-ounce
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed black beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Blend for Texture: Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot until desired thickness and smoothness are achieved, leaving some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups of soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
- Season and Serve: Season the Black Bean Soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh lime juice before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Thicken it up: How do I thicken black bean soup? For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to purée about half of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup for a few minutes.
- Don't skip the lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end is crucial. It brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish that elevates the entire dish, preventing it from tasting flat.