Description
Spicy Mexican-style black bean soup delivers a rich, comforting blend of authentic flavors from central Mexico. Hearty beans, aromatic spices, and zesty garnishes create a soul-warming dish you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked black beans (or 2 (15 ounces) cans, drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
Aromatic Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for spice)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
- Awaken the aromatics by gently sautéing onions in a spacious pot until they turn translucent and soft, releasing their sweet essence. Introduce minced garlic and a symphony of spices – cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and coriander – allowing them to dance and bloom for a brief moment.
- Pour in the robust black beans, creating a hearty base. Add broth, diced tomatoes with their vibrant juices, and optional fiery jalapeño to build depth and complexity. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- For those desiring a velvety consistency, carefully transform the soup’s texture. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the mixture, or delicately transfer half the soup to a blender, transforming it into a smooth, creamy landscape before reuniting it with its counterparts.
- Elevate the soup’s profile with a splash of bright lime juice, awakening the palate. Season judiciously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Artfully ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Crown with an array of vibrant garnishes – perhaps crisp cilantro, tangy sour cream, crumbled queso fresco, or diced avocado. Accompany with warm, pillowy tortillas or rustic bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Enhance the soup’s depth by toasting spices briefly before adding other ingredients, which awakens their essential oils and intensifies the flavor profile.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using different chile varieties like poblano or serrano for varied spice intensities.
- Create a protein-packed meal by adding shredded chicken, chorizo, or plant-based alternatives directly into the soup during the simmering stage.
- Make the recipe gluten-free and vegan-friendly by ensuring broth selection matches dietary requirements and using plant-based garnishes like cilantro, avocado, or dairy-free sour cream alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg