Hearty Brazilian Black Bean Soup
This Hearty Brazilian Black Bean Soup is a comforting and flavor-packed dish inspired by traditional Brazilian cuisine. It's rich in protein, thanks to the black beans, and features a delightful combination of spices, vegetables, and the bright acidity of orange juice that elevates the flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is easy to make and is sure to impress family and friends. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess or enjoy it as is for a wholesome vegan option. Whether you're warming up on a chilly night or looking for a healthy meal to nourish your body, this soup will hit the spot!
6
Servings
235
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onions
3 cups (chopped)
garlic cloves
8 (chopped and divided)
carrot
1-2 (diced)
ground cumin
3 teaspoons (none)
red bell pepper
1 (diced)
black beans
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
water
1/2 cup (none)
vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 cups (none)
orange juice
1 cup (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (more if desired)
sour cream
to taste (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions along with half of the minced garlic and the diced carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the carrots are tender.
3
Stir in the ground cumin and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4
Add the remaining minced garlic and the diced red bell pepper to the pan. Continue to sauté until the bell pepper is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Incorporate the black beans, water, vegetable or chicken broth, and orange juice into the mixture, stirring to combine. Season with cayenne pepper to taste.
6
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
7
For a creamy texture, carefully transfer half or more of the soup into a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. Return the puréed soup to the saucepan and stir well.
8
Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat it through.
9
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
13g
Protein
10g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Brazilian Black Bean Soup?
It is a comforting, protein-rich dish inspired by Brazilian cuisine, featuring black beans, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of citrus.
Is this Brazilian Black Bean Soup vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan if you use vegetable broth and omit the optional sour cream garnish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 235 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients are olive oil, onions, garlic, carrots, ground cumin, red bell pepper, black beans, broth, and orange juice.
How long should I saute the onions and carrots?
Sauté the onions and carrots for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference.
How do I achieve a creamy texture for this soup?
Transfer half or more of the soup to a blender, purée until smooth, and then return it to the saucepan.
Why is orange juice used in this recipe?
Orange juice adds a bright acidity that elevates and balances the rich flavors of the black beans.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label on your broth to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add extra cayenne pepper to the soup to increase the heat level.
What garnish is recommended?
A dollop of sour cream is recommended for added creaminess, though it is optional.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 13g of protein.
What is the fiber content of this soup?
This soup is high in fiber, with 10g per serving.
Should the black beans be drained?
Yes, the canned black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pan.
Can I use dried black beans?
Yes, but you must soak and cook the dried beans before using them in this specific recipe.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 10-15 minutes initially, and another 5 minutes after adding the puréed portion.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 8 chopped garlic cloves, divided during the cooking process.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup stores well and the flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, black bean soup freezes very well for future meals.
What flavor does cumin provide?
Ground cumin adds an earthy and warm spice profile to the soup.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
Does this recipe contain added sugar?
The recipe does not list added sugar, though the orange juice contains natural sugars.
Can I substitute black beans with another bean?
While black beans are traditional, you could use pinto beans, though the color and flavor will change.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is healthy, easy to make in large batches, and stays fresh for several days.
What happens if I don't blend the soup?
The soup will still be delicious but will have a thinner, chunkier consistency rather than a creamy one.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with white rice, a side of crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.