Description
Hearty Mexican-style black bean soup brings warmth and comfort from traditional Mexican kitchens. Robust beans, aromatic spices, and fresh garnishes create a soul-satisfying meal that connects you with rich culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups black beans (cooked or 2 (15 oz) cans, drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp ground coriander (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsps)
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Gently caramelize onions in a large pot until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and spices (cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander), allowing them to release their aromatic essence for 30-60 seconds.
- Build Soup Base: Incorporate black beans, broth, diced tomatoes, and optional jalapeño. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop complexity for 20-25 minutes.
- Modify Texture: Utilize an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a rustic yet creamy consistency. Alternatively, transfer half the mixture to a standard blender, pulse until smooth, then reintegrate with the remaining soup.
- Finalize Seasoning: Brighten the soup with fresh lime juice, then season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust flavors to achieve a balanced, vibrant profile that celebrates the soup’s Mexican-inspired character.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Embellish with an artistic array of toppings – chopped cilantro, dollop of sour cream, crumbled queso fresco, and diced avocado. Present alongside warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
Notes
- Control Bean Texture: Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner, more refined soup consistency.
- Spice Bloom Technique: Toast spices briefly in hot oil before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles and enhance overall aromatic intensity.
- Customize Creaminess: Adjust soup thickness by reserving some bean liquid or adding extra broth, allowing personalized texture without compromising rich, authentic flavors.
- Dietary Adaptation: Substitute dairy garnishes with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based yogurt for gluten-free and dairy-sensitive dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg