Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Soup is the meal we have when I’ve completely lost track of time and suddenly it’s nearing suppertime and I’m still sorting and folding laundry. Please tell me I’m not the only who has had those days! Hearty and satisfying, this black bean soup can be thrown together in under thirty minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering all day. My family likes to add their own individual favorites like avocado, sour cream, cheese or tortilla crisps to the top, but I love it just the way it is. Warm, soothing, simple, the perfect busy weeknight dinner.
Tips for the best Black Bean Soup
Sure, you could soak beans overnight and then cook them and all those pesky steps, but for this recipe just toss in a couple of cans of beans. They’re so tasty and really bulk up this soup and so many other recipes. You don’t even need to drain the beans; just throw it all in and let the extra juices add to the flavor of this delicious soup.Use a blender or immersion blender to combine some or all the beans and chicken broth into a creamy texture. My kids love this, since some of them have sudden aversions to “lumpy” foods. Heaven help them. I like to keep a few beans out of the puree party because I happen to enjoy a few lumps in my food, especially rich buttery black beans. But you can puree the whole thing if you like.For added heat, you could add some chili powder, cumin, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. I’ve even tossed in a palmful of taco seasoning a few times and that gives it just enough kick for me and my husband without making the children complain that it’s too spicy (they also suddenly think everything is “spicy”)Use any kind of rice you like! I prefer quick cooking white rice but you could try brown rice too.This soup can be made either on the stove top or the slow cooker. If using the slow cooker, simmer on low for about five hours. It’s dreamy!Black Bean Soup makes for delicious leftovers! It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze in freezer safe bags or jars for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then microwave, stirring often. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth if the soup is too thick.
Variations, Add-Ins, and Topping Ideas for Black Bean Soup
Chicken: Add shredded chicken while cooking or to the top for extra protein and heartiness.Fried Egg: Add some extra creaminess with an over-easy fried egg.Southwest-Style: Pile your bowl of black bean soup high with with slices of fresh avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese and salsa for a Southwestern flair. You can even add a teaspoon or two of your favorite taco seasonings, salsa, adobo sauce or hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick. Fall Nacho Topping: I like to use this soup as a nacho topping. Assemble a plate of tortilla chips, then drizzle the soup over the top along with cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream and our Best Guacamole Ever and you have a show-stopping plate of nachos!Hot Bean Dip: You could also use this soup as a dip! Warm flour tortilla strips, chips, bell peppers, celery, carrots, or just about anything tastes delicious dipped in this warm bean and rice mixture.Vegan Style: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you have a tasty vegan soup!CilantroFresh limes or lime juice Fresh or roasted garlic clovesSautéed onion or red bell pepperRoasted butternut squash or sweet potatoSpices or seasonings: a bay leaf, oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and/ or fresh ground black pepper are all tasty stir-in ideas.
More Hearty Soup Recipes
Sometimes your day just calls for a big steaming bowl of savory, flavorful soup. Soup days are my favorite, because the kitchen becomes all warm and homey, smells permeate the house, and everyone just seems a bit more relaxed and comforted. Here are a few of our very favorite soups to try:
How to Make Black Bean Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup
Hearty Beef Stew
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Share It on Instagram!
