Rich & Flavorful Black Bean Soup
This Rich & Flavorful Black Bean Soup is a delightful and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion. It features nutritious black beans simmered to perfection, infused with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Enhanced by a touch of lime and topped with creamy sour cream, this soup is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. Ideal for sharing, it can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for a cozy dinner or as a nutritious meal prep option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black beans
2 1/3 cups (rinsed)
Bay leaves
2
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Red peppers
2 large (chopped)
Shallots
2 (chopped)
Onions
2 large (chopped)
Garlic cloves
8 (minced)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon
Ground oregano
2 tablespoons
Lime zest
from 1 lime
Brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon
Salt
1 tablespoon
Dry sherry
2 tablespoons
Fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Lime
1 (quartered)
Red onion
1 (diced)
Sour cream
to taste
Tabasco sauce
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the rinsed dried black beans and bay leaves. Cover the beans with 2 quarts of water, bringing it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer, covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Check occasionally, adding more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
2
While the beans are cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red peppers, shallots, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and vegetables are softened.
3
Stir in the ground cumin, oregano, and lime zest. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Puree until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4
Once the black beans are tender, incorporate the pureed vegetable mixture into the pot with the beans. Add the brown sugar and salt, stirring well. Continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken to your desired consistency.
5
Just before serving, stir in the dry sherry and fresh chopped cilantro. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, diced red onions, and a wedge of lime. Serve with Tabasco sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this soup recipe?
The recipe is for Rich & Flavorful Black Bean Soup.
Is this black bean soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses plant-based ingredients like dried beans, vegetables, and spices, making it suitable for vegetarians.
How long does it take to cook the dried black beans?
The dried black beans need to simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until they are tender.
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
The instructions suggest rinsing the dried beans and then bringing them to a boil without a specified pre-soak.
What aromatics are used in the soup base?
The soup uses red peppers, shallots, onions, and minced garlic.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for ground cumin, ground oregano, and bay leaves.
How do I prepare the vegetable mixture?
Sauté the peppers, shallots, onions, and garlic in olive oil, then puree the mixture in a blender until smooth.
What kind of oil is recommended for sautéing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
Is there any alcohol in this recipe?
Yes, two tablespoons of dry sherry are added just before serving.
When should I add the lime zest?
The lime zest is stirred into the sautéed vegetable mixture before it is pureed.
What are the suggested garnishes for this soup?
Garnish with sour cream, diced red onions, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime.
How much garlic does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 8 minced garlic cloves.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, it is served with Tabasco sauce on the side for an extra kick.
How much water is used to cook the beans?
Start with 2 quarts of water and add more as necessary to keep the beans submerged.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the flavors.
How many bay leaves are needed?
Two bay leaves are used during the initial bean simmering process.
What is the final cooking step after adding the puree?
Cook the soup for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious meal prep option.
What type of peppers should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 large red peppers.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro just before serving the soup.
Can I use a food processor for the vegetables?
Yes, you can use either a blender or a food processor to puree the sautéed vegetables.
What texture should the soup have?
The soup is rich and hearty, with a thickness that can be adjusted during the final simmering phase.
What is the purpose of the dry sherry?
The dry sherry is added at the end to enhance the depth of flavor.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe uses 2 large onions in the base and 1 red onion for garnishing.
What is the amount of dried black beans required?
The recipe requires 2 1/3 cups of dried black beans.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutritious beans and fresh vegetables.
How do I serve the lime?
The lime should be quartered and served as a wedge with each bowl.
What is the role of the shallots?
Shallots are sautéed with the onions and peppers to provide a delicate aromatic base.
Should the beans be covered while simmering?
Yes, the beans should be simmered while covered.