Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean Soup with a Kick
Indulge in this hearty Vegetarian Black Bean Soup that combines the deep, rich flavors of black beans with the freshness of vegetables in every spoonful! Packed with protein and fiber, this wholesome soup is not only delicious but also extremely nutritious. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day or serving at a gathering, this recipe is easy to modify with your favorite spices. Plus, the optional kick from hot pepper sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste. Gather your ingredients, fire up your stovetop, and enjoy a satisfying bowl of comfort that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
vegetable broth
15 ounces (divided)
black beans
30 ounces (rinsed and drained (2 cans))
potato
1 cup (peeled and diced)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
diced tomatoes
15 ounces (undrained (1 can))
hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
green onions
2 (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the onion is tender.
3
Add the rinsed and drained black beans, diced potatoes, dried thyme, ground cumin, and the remaining vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well and return the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, lower the heat again, cover, and let it simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
5
In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and hot pepper sauce, heating until warmed through.
6
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions for an added crunch and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean Soup with a Kick?
It is a wholesome, protein-packed soup that combines black beans, fresh vegetables, and savory spices with an optional spicy finish.
Is this black bean soup vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and uses vegetable broth as its liquid base.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the ingredients listed are 100% plant-based, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What provides the 'kick' in this recipe?
The kick comes from a half teaspoon of hot pepper sauce added at the end of the cooking process.
How much vegetable broth is required?
You will need a total of 15 ounces of vegetable broth, which is divided for different steps of the recipe.
How many cans of black beans are used?
The recipe uses 30 ounces of black beans, which is equivalent to two standard 15-ounce cans.
Should I drain the black beans?
Yes, the instructions specify that the black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe calls for one cup of peeled and diced potatoes.
How long does it take to cook the onions and garlic?
The onion and garlic should simmer in a small amount of broth for 6 to 8 minutes until tender.
What is the total simmering time for the soup once potatoes are added?
The soup should simmer for 20 to 25 minutes once the beans, potatoes, and spices are added.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using 15 ounces of undrained diced tomatoes to include the juice in the soup.
What spices are used to flavor this soup?
The soup is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How do I garnish the soup?
The soup is best served hot and garnished with two sliced green onions for added crunch.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, the hot pepper sauce is optional and can be adjusted to suit your personal heat preference.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of black beans and potatoes makes this a high-fiber meal.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large saucepan with a cover to cook the soup on the stovetop.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, though dried is specified, you can substitute fresh thyme; generally, you use three times more fresh herbs than dried.
When do I add the tomatoes?
The undrained tomatoes and hot pepper sauce should be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is there any oil used in the sautéing process?
No, the recipe uses a small portion of vegetable broth to soften the onions and garlic instead of oil.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, black bean soup freezes very well in airtight containers for up to three months.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple steps and common pantry ingredients.
What size should the potato pieces be?
The potatoes should be diced into small pieces to ensure they cook through within the 20-25 minute simmering window.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While it is designed as a black bean soup, you could substitute kidney beans or pinto beans if desired.
How do I know when the soup is finished?
The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and the tomatoes have been heated through.
Can I use chicken broth instead?
You can, but the soup will no longer be vegetarian or vegan.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.
How many green onions are used for the garnish?
The recipe recommends using two sliced green onions.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
Since it is a plant-based recipe without dairy or meat, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its high protein, high fiber, and low-fat content.