Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegan Spanish Black Bean Soup?
It is a nutritious plant-based soup featuring black beans, aromatic spices, and Spanish flavors.
Is this recipe strictly vegan?
Yes, all ingredients listed, including the beans and seasonings, are entirely plant-based.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 9g of protein from the black beans.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 13g of fiber per serving, making it a very filling meal.
How many cans of black beans are needed?
The recipe requires four 15-ounce cans of black beans.
Do I need to drain the beans?
You should drain and rinse two of the cans; the other two are pureed for the base.
How do I achieve the soup's thick texture?
By pureeing two cans of the black beans in a blender before adding them to the pot.
What aromatics are used in the base?
The soup starts with a small chopped yellow onion and 4-5 cloves of garlic.
Can I substitute the yellow onion?
Yes, you can use white or red onions as a substitute if needed.
Is the dry sherry mandatory?
No, the dry sherry is an optional ingredient used to add extra depth of flavor.
What can I use instead of sherry?
You can use a splash of vegetable broth or lime juice for a similar acidity.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ground cumin.
Is this soup very spicy?
No, it uses 1 tablespoon of chili powder for flavor, but it is generally mild.
How long should I sautรฉ the onion and garlic?
Sautรฉ them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
It should simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Do I need to remove the bay leaves?
Yes, ensure you remove the two bay leaves before serving.
What is the fat content of this soup?
This is a low-fat dish, containing only 1g of fat per serving.
How much cilantro is stirred in?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
What are the best serving suggestions?
It is excellent served with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
Yes, chopped bell peppers or carrots can be added during the sautรฉing step.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Why is a blender required?
A blender is used to puree half of the beans to create a creamy consistency.
Can I use dried black beans?
Yes, but you must cook them thoroughly before proceeding with the soup recipe.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe uses 10 main ingredients including seasonings.
What are good garnish options?
Garnish with additional fresh cilantro or a slice of lime for brightness.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely, the flavors often improve after sitting in the fridge overnight.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double all ingredients; just ensure you use a larger pot.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, using canned beans makes this a fast and easy meal to prepare.