Black bean soup is a warm, cozy dish that’s easy to prepare and packs a delightful flavor punch. In just a few steps, you can create a hearty meal that is not only nourishing but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect as a quick lunch or dinner, this simple recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds—or even thirds!
Why We Love This Easy and Super Delicious Black Bean Soup Recipe
This easy black bean soup recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly wonderful. The versatility of black beans provides a base that’s both nutritious and filling. Often prepared in just under 30 minutes, this soup is ideal for those busy nights when you need a quick dinner. The addition of mild salsa gives it just the right amount of kick without overwhelming the palate, making this dish family-friendly. Plus, it can easily be customized or served with various toppings to cater to everyone’s tastes. The first time you whip this up, you may be surprised at how easy it is and how much you enjoy the depth of flavor.
Ingredients about Easy and Super Delicious Black Bean Soup
For your easy black bean soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 0.5 cup mild salsa
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth
- 0.25 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 0.25 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon sour cream, or to taste
This simple list of ingredients means you can easily find these items at any grocery store, and they offer great shelf life, so you can whip up this dish whenever the mood strikes.
How to Make Easy and Super Delicious Black Bean Soup Directions
Creating this easy black bean soup is a straightforward process that starts with preparing your beans. Begin by mashing the rinsed and drained black beans in a small bowl. The mashing will help the beans break down and create a creamy texture for your soup. Add the mild salsa to the beans and mix until they are well combined. This step adds a burst of flavor and a touch of heat.
Next, transfer your bean mixture to a saucepan. Pour in the vegetable broth, which will give your soup its desired consistency. Set the heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. The soup should simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it reduce a bit more; if you like it thinner, you can add more broth as necessary.
After the soup has simmered, taste and season it with salt according to your preference. Then, stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese, and continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and adds that rich creaminess to the soup.
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and finish it with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra touch of flavor and creaminess. Serve this delicious soup hot, and enjoy every spoonful!
How to Serve Easy and Super Delicious Black Bean Soup
Serving black bean soup can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. The soup itself is quite hearty, making it a perfect standalone dish for lunch or dinner. However, to make the meal more filling or to impress your guests, consider adding some accompaniments.
You can serve the soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful liquid. Cornbread is another delightful option that pairs beautifully with the soup. Additionally, think about garnishing with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños to add more dimensions to your dish. Each garnish adds not just flavor but also a pop of color, making your bowl look as good as it tastes.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider placing bowls of toppings on the table and allowing everyone to personalize their soup. This way, each person can add their favorite ingredients, making the meal interactive and fun!
Expert Tips: Easy and Super Delicious Black Bean Soup
When making this soup, there are a few expert tips that can enhance the flavor and overall experience. First, always use quality canned black beans. Rinsing them not only reduces the sodium content but also enhances the flavor by removing the canning liquid.
If you’re craving additional spice, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or even diced chilies along with the salsa. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
For added nutrition, including chopped onions, diced bell peppers, or minced garlic at the start of cooking can elevate the soup to a new level of flavor. Sauté these ingredients in your saucepan for a few minutes before adding the black beans and salsa.
Finally, if you find the soup too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Cooking should always be about adjusting flavors and textures to suit your palate!
How to Store Easy and Super Delicious Black Bean Soup
Storing leftover black bean soup is straightforward and convenient. First, allow the soup to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
If you end up making a large batch, you can also freeze the soup. Freezing in individual serving sizes makes it easy to defrost just what you need. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring you leave some space at the top for expansion as the soup freezes. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Variation of Easy and Super Delicious Black Bean Soup
This easy black bean soup recipe is incredibly versatile. There are countless variations you can try to switch things up. For a heartier meal, add vegetables like zucchini, corn, or diced tomatoes. These ingredients bring extra nutrients and flavors to the table.
If you want to play with flavors, think about adding different types of salsa or even trying your hand at homemade salsa for a more personalized taste. For a smoky flavor, consider mixing in some diced smoked chipotle peppers or a dash of liquid smoke.
For those who enjoy meat, cooked chicken or turkey can also make a great addition. Simply shred the cooked meat and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to warm through and become infused with flavors.
Additionally, feel free to try different types of cheese or sour cream. Pepper Jack cheese can provide extra spice, while Greek yogurt can offer a tangy twist. The opportunities for customization are endless!
FAQ
What can I serve with easy and super delicious black bean soup?
You can serve your black bean soup with warm tortillas, crusty bread, or cornbread. Additionally, toppers like avocado, cilantro, and sour cream make flavorful complements.
Can I make the black bean soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and store the soup in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Is black bean soup healthy?
Yes! Black bean soup is packed with fiber, protein, and various vitamins. The ingredients used create a nutritious meal that can easily fit into a balanced diet.
Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can! If using dried black beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before starting your soup recipe. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What other ingredients can I add to enhance this easy black bean soup?
Feel free to add chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor. You can also try different types of salsa or even add smoked chipotle peppers for a spicy twist!
Black Bean Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained Use quality canned black beans.
- 0.5 cup mild salsa Adjust type of salsa based on spice preference.
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth Add more as needed for desired consistency.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Season to taste.
- 0.25 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Can substitute with other types of cheese.
- 1 tablespoon sour cream Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Mash the rinsed and drained black beans in a small bowl until creamy.
- Add the mild salsa to the mashed beans and mix well.
Cooking
- Transfer the bean mixture to a saucepan and pour in the vegetable broth.
- Set the heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and season with salt. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot.
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