Authentic Costa Rican Black Bean Soup
Experience the heart of Costa Rican cuisine with this flavorful and hearty black bean soup. Full of vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, this dish delivers a wholesome blend of protein and fiber that warms the soul. Perfect for a family dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. Topped with a dollop of sour cream, it offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a dish you'll want to share with friends and family. Enjoy the essence of Central America right in your own kitchen!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
celery
1 cup (finely diced)
sweet onion
1 medium (finely diced)
red pepper
1 medium (finely diced)
fresh tomato
1 cup (chopped)
fresh garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (minced (optional))
canola oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon
black beans
3 cups (canned, including liquid (from 4 - 15 oz. cans))
vegetable stock
3 cups
oregano
1 teaspoon
cumin
1 teaspoon
celery salt
3/4 teaspoon
coriander powder
3/4 teaspoon
thyme
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne
1/2 teaspoon
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
clove
1/4 teaspoon
allspice
1/2 teaspoon
salt
to taste
sour cream
optional (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, heat the canola or olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the finely diced celery, onion, and red pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until softened.
3
Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
4
Pour in the black beans, including their liquid, and the vegetable stock. Stir well.
5
Add the oregano, cumin, celery salt, coriander powder, thyme, cayenne, nutmeg, clove, and allspice. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a spoonful of sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Costa Rican Black Bean Soup?
It is a hearty, flavorful dish from Central America featuring black beans, vibrant vegetables like celery and peppers, and a rich blend of aromatic spices.
Is this black bean soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarians.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
Do I need to drain the black beans before adding them?
No, you should include the liquid from the canned black beans as it adds flavor and thickness to the soup.
What vegetables are used in the base of the soup?
The base consists of finely diced celery, sweet onion, red pepper, and chopped fresh tomatoes.
Is the ginger mandatory in this recipe?
No, the minced fresh ginger is listed as an optional ingredient, though it adds a unique aromatic depth.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
You can use either canola oil or olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
What spices give this soup its unique flavor?
The soup features a complex blend of oregano, cumin, celery salt, coriander powder, thyme, cayenne, nutmeg, clove, and allspice.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is high in fiber and protein while being full of nutrient-dense vegetables.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
The soup itself is vegan; simply omit the sour cream topping or use a dairy-free alternative to keep the entire meal vegan.
Is the soup spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne, which provides a moderate kick, but the level of spice can be adjusted to your preference.
What is the recommended garnish?
A dollop of sour cream is recommended to provide a cool contrast to the warm, spiced beans.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the sautéed vegetables.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies 3 cups of canned beans with liquid, you can use cooked dried beans, though you may need to add extra bean broth to match the consistency.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium sweet onion, finely diced.
When do I add the vegetable stock?
Add the vegetable stock at the same time you add the black beans, after the aromatic vegetables have softened.
What should the consistency of the vegetables be before adding the beans?
The onion should be translucent and the other vegetables should be tender.
How often should I stir the soup while it simmers?
Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the stock pot.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that involves simple sautéing and simmering steps.
What is the total amount of black beans needed?
You will need 3 cups of black beans, which is approximately four 15-ounce cans.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt to taste at the very end of the cooking process.
What is the preparation for the red pepper?
The red pepper should be finely diced before cooking.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, black beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, making this a very wholesome meal.
How much vegetable stock is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of vegetable stock.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large stock pot is recommended to accommodate the volume of the beans, vegetables, and liquid.
Are there any warming spices in this soup?
Yes, the recipe uses nutmeg, clove, and allspice, which are classic warming spices.
Can I serve this soup cold?
The recipe is intended to be served hot as a comforting meal.
How long do I sauté the celery, onion, and red pepper?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
Is this a traditional Central American dish?
Yes, it is designed to capture the essence of authentic Costa Rican cuisine.