Hearty Black Bean Soup Delight
This Hearty Black Bean Soup Delight is a comforting and nutritious dish that celebrates the rich, velvety texture and flavor of black beans. Made from scratch with dried beans, this recipe avoids excess sodium found in canned varieties and requires no pre-soaking, making it both convenient and wholesome. The combination of sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic forms a flavorful base that perfectly complements the spices of cumin and coriander. This soup is naturally vegan, but can be made creamy with the optional addition of sour cream or yogurt. Serve it with hot cooked rice or alongside cornbread for a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors, making it a versatile recipe for everyone to enjoy. This dish originates from an independent coffee shop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and brings a taste of Southern charm right to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
onion
1 large, diced (diced)
carrots
2, diced (diced)
celery
4 stalks, diced (diced)
garlic cloves
2, minced (minced)
dried black beans
2 cups (picked over and rinsed)
water
8 cups (none)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
sour cream or plain yogurt
to taste (optional) (none)
hot cooked rice
to serve (optional) (cooked)
lemons or limes
cut into wedges (optional) (cut into wedges)
chopped fresh cilantro
for garnish (optional) (chopped)
hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
to taste (optional) (none)
Instructions
1
Optionally, presoak the black beans overnight to reduce cooking time, but this recipe does not require it.
2
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes until they are softened yet not browned.
4
Pour in the rinsed black beans and 8 cups of water. Stir to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
6
Add cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to incorporate all the spices.
7
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 2 1/2 hours or until the beans are tender and starting to break apart. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
9
Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if desired. Offer hot cooked rice, fresh cilantro, lemon or lime wedges, and hot sauce on the side as optional garnishes.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
36.5
Carbs
11
Protein
5.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Black Bean Soup Delight?
Hearty Black Bean Soup Delight is a nutritious, comforting dish featuring a rich, velvety texture made from scratch using dried black beans and fresh vegetables.
Is this black bean soup recipe vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is naturally vegan. It only becomes non-vegan if you choose to add optional toppings like sour cream or yogurt.
Do I need to soak the dried black beans overnight?
No, pre-soaking is not required for this recipe, although you can optionally soak them to reduce the total cooking time.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 210 calories per serving of this black bean soup.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from an independent coffee shop located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender and starting to break apart.
What vegetables are included in the soup base?
The soup base consists of sautéed diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
What spices are used to flavor the soup?
The recipe uses a combination of cumin, coriander powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
How much protein does this soup contain?
Each serving of this soup provides about 11 grams of protein.
Is this soup a good source of fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 5.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What can I serve with this black bean soup?
It is excellent served with hot cooked rice, cornbread, or garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes, you can make it creamy by adding a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt before serving.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 8 cups of water for 2 cups of dried black beans.
What type of oil should be used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I add hot sauce to this dish?
Yes, adding a dash of hot sauce like Tabasco can elevate the flavors and add a spicy kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific spice and bean labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 36.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the vegetables be browned during sautéing?
No, the vegetables should be sautéed until softened but not browned, which takes about 3 minutes.
What is the recommended preparation for the dried beans?
The dried black beans should be picked over for debris and rinsed thoroughly before cooking.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, both lemon and lime wedges are recommended as optional garnishes to add a bright acidity.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it uses simple ingredients and straightforward boiling and simmering techniques.
How many carrots and celery stalks are needed?
You will need 2 diced carrots and 4 diced celery stalks.
What is the texture of the soup after 2.5 hours?
The soup becomes rich and velvety as the beans become tender and start to break apart.
Does this recipe contain a lot of salt?
The recipe calls for only 1/4 teaspoon of salt, making it a lower-sodium alternative to canned soups.
Is coriander powder essential?
Coriander powder is one of the key spices that complements the cumin and gives the soup its unique flavor profile.
How many cups of dried beans are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of dried black beans.
Can this soup be stored for later?
While not explicitly stated in the instructions, black bean soup generally stores well in the refrigerator and the flavors often improve the next day.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, its hearty nature and warm spices make it a quintessential comfort food dish.