Hearty Black Bean & Italian Sausage Soup
Indulge in the comfort of this deliciously hearty soup that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the earthy goodness of black beans. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this meal-in-a-bowl is not only satisfying but also packs a nutritious punch. The crispy bacon adds a smoky depth, while the vibrant yellow or orange peppers contribute a sweet touch. For those watching their carbs, this soup can easily accommodate black soybeans, allowing everyone to enjoy its flavors without compromising their dietary preferences. Whether you choose to serve it over leftover rice or pasta, or enjoy it on its own, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
3 slices (chopped)
Onion
1 (chopped into medium-sized pieces)
Italian Sausages
4 (removed from casings and broken up)
Yellow or Orange Peppers
2 small (chopped)
Chicken Stock
4 cups (low salt preferred)
Black Beans or Black Soybeans
2 (14 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Red Pepper Flakes
to taste
Leftover Rice or Pasta
*optional (use if desired)
Sour Cream
*optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it begins to render its fat and crisp up.
2
Add the chopped onion and peppers to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent and the peppers start to soften, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
4
Pour in the chicken stock and add one can of the black beans along with 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover. Let it cook for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
5
Using an immersion blender, blend a portion of the soup for about 10-15 seconds on high, leaving plenty of chunks for texture.
6
Add the second can of drained and rinsed beans and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Stir well to combine.
7
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
8
Serve hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of sour cream and over a couple of tablespoons of leftover rice or pasta for a more filling meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Black Bean & Italian Sausage Soup?
It is a comfort-food soup that combines Italian sausage, black beans, smoky bacon, and vibrant peppers for a nutritious, meal-in-a-bowl experience.
What types of beans can I use for this recipe?
You can use either standard canned black beans or black soybeans if you prefer a lower-carb option.
How can I make this soup low carb?
To make this soup low carb, substitute the black beans with black soybeans and omit serving it with rice or pasta.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
Remove the sausage from its casings and break it into smaller pieces as it browns in the pot.
What is the purpose of the bacon in this soup?
Bacon is used to render fat for cooking the vegetables and to add a smoky depth of flavor to the dish.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The Italian sausage should be cooked until browned and cooked through, which typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
Which peppers are best for this soup?
Yellow or orange peppers are recommended because they contribute a sweet touch and vibrant color.
What kind of chicken stock should I use?
A low-salt chicken stock is preferred so you can better control the sodium levels in the finished soup.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup simmers for an initial 30 minutes to meld flavors, followed by a final 10-minute simmer after adding the remaining ingredients.
How do I thicken the soup?
Use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup for 10-15 seconds on high, which creates a creamy base while leaving plenty of texture.
Should the black beans be drained?
Yes, both cans of black beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the pot.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
How can I add heat to the soup?
You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the final seasoning stage if you prefer a spicier soup.
Can I serve this soup with rice?
Yes, serving the soup over a couple of tablespoons of leftover rice makes for a more filling meal.
Is it okay to add pasta to this soup?
Yes, you can serve the soup over leftover pasta as an optional way to add bulk to the meal.
What garnishes are recommended?
A dollop of sour cream is a great optional garnish for serving.
How do I use the immersion blender correctly?
After the first 30 minutes of simmering, blend only a portion of the soup for about 10-15 seconds to maintain chunky texture.
What if I do not have an immersion blender?
You can carefully transfer a small portion of the soup to a standard blender, pulse it, and return it to the pot, or simply mash some beans with a fork.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty meal-in-a-bowl that keeps well and is perfect for warming up on chilly days.
How many cans of beans do I need?
The recipe requires two 14-ounce cans of black beans or black soybeans.
When is the garlic powder added?
Garlic powder is used as part of the seasoning process to enhance the savory profile of the broth.
Why are the beans added in two separate stages?
The first can is simmered and partially blended to thicken the broth, while the second can provides whole-bean texture.
How many peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for two small yellow or orange peppers, chopped.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be chopped into medium-sized pieces.
How long do I cook the onions and peppers?
Cook them for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the peppers start to soften.
What temperature should I use for browning the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it begins to render its fat and crisp up.
How much cumin is used in total?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is used in total, divided into two half-teaspoon additions.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe and a quick meal option.
Can I use different types of sausage?
While the recipe specifies Italian sausage for its rich flavor, you could experiment with other varieties if desired.
Should the soup be served hot?
Yes, the soup should be served hot for the best flavor and comfort.