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Quick and Hearty Black Bean Soup for Cozy Weeknights

Close-up of a deep bowl of rich, dark black bean soup topped with dollops of sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro.

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This recipe creates a flavorful, satisfying black bean soup, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. It uses simple ingredients to deliver a comforting, healthy bowl of soup.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the bay leaf.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency, leaving some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer about half the soup to a standard blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Heat through for a few more minutes if needed.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use dried black beans and soak them overnight, cooking them until tender before adding them to the soup base.
  • This soup freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.
  • If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.

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