Savory Slow-Cooked Black Bean Medley
Dive into a bowl of warmth and flavor with this Savory Slow-Cooked Black Bean Medley. Infused with Caribbean, Cuban, Mexican, and Spanish influences, this vegetarian soup is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. The black beans, soaked overnight for optimal tenderness, combine beautifully with a colorful array of vegetables and spices. Perfect as a hearty main dish, serve it alongside warm tortillas or crusty French bread and a vibrant salad for a complete meal. This recipe is designed to bring friends and family together, offering a comforting taste of diverse culinary traditions. Be sure to adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker’s performance for the best results. Enjoy a nourishing dish that’s as enjoyable to share as it is to savor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried black beans
1 lb (soaked overnight)
water
1 1/2 quarts (for cooking)
carrot
1 (chopped)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
red onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
6 (crushed)
green bell peppers
2 (chopped)
jalapeno peppers
2 (chopped)
lentils
1/4 cup
canned peeled and diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce)
chili powder
2 tablespoons
ground cumin
2 teaspoons
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons
salt
1 tablespoon
uncooked white rice
1/2 cup
sour cream
(for serving)
lime wedge
(for serving)
cilantro
(for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried black beans overnight in enough water to cover them.
2
If you forget to soak the beans, in a large pot, add the beans and three times their volume of water. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 10 minutes. Cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 1 hour. Afterward, drain and rinse the beans.
3
In a crock pot, combine the soaked black beans with 1 1/2 quarts of fresh water.
4
Cook the beans on high for 3-7 hours, depending on the heat settings of your crock pot.
5
Once the beans are tender, stir in the chopped carrot, celery, onion, crushed garlic, green bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, lentils, and the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
6
Season the mixture with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground black pepper, red wine vinegar, and salt.
7
Switch the cooker to low and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
8
In the last 20 minutes of cooking, stir in the uncooked white rice; if using brown rice, incorporate it in the last hour of cooking.
9
To enhance the soup's texture, puree half of it using a blender or food processor, and then return it to the crock pot.
10
When ready to serve, offer lime wedges, sour cream, and fresh cilantro on the side for garnishing.
11
Enjoy your nutritious and hearty soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Slow-Cooked Black Bean Medley?
It is a hearty vegetarian soup infused with Caribbean, Cuban, Mexican, and Spanish flavors, packed with black beans, vegetables, and lentils.
How long should I soak the dried black beans?
You should soak the dried black beans in enough water to cover them overnight for optimal tenderness.
What is the quick-soak method if I forget to soak them overnight?
Boil the beans in three times their volume of water for 10 minutes, let them stand covered for 1 hour, then drain and rinse before cooking.
How much water is needed for cooking the beans in the slow cooker?
Combine the soaked beans with 1 1/2 quarts of fresh water in the crock pot.
How long do the beans cook on the high setting?
The beans typically cook on high for 3 to 7 hours, depending on your slow cooker's heat settings.
What vegetables are added to the soup once the beans are tender?
Once tender, stir in chopped carrot, celery, red onion, crushed garlic, green bell peppers, and jalapeno peppers.
Does this recipe include lentils?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of lentils to be added along with the vegetables.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this dish?
The recipe uses one 28-ounce can of peeled and diced tomatoes.
Which spices are used to season the medley?
The mixture is seasoned with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt.
Is vinegar used in this black bean soup?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar are added to enhance and meld the flavors.
Why should I switch the slow cooker to the low setting?
Switching to low for an additional 2 to 3 hours allows the flavors to meld together more effectively.
When should white rice be added to the recipe?
Uncooked white rice should be stirred into the soup during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you should incorporate brown rice during the last hour of cooking instead of the last 20 minutes.
How can I make the soup texture thicker or creamier?
Puree half of the soup using a blender or food processor and then return it to the crock pot.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
Serve the soup with lime wedges, sour cream, and fresh cilantro on the side.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian soup packed with nutrients from plant-based sources.
Is the Savory Slow-Cooked Black Bean Medley gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What cultural influences inspired this recipe?
The dish draws inspiration from Caribbean, Cuban, Mexican, and Spanish culinary traditions.
What side dishes pair well with this black bean soup?
It is excellent when served with warm tortillas, crusty French bread, or a fresh salad.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 6 crushed garlic cloves.
How many jalapeno peppers are used in the dish?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped jalapeno peppers.
Is the soup considered spicy?
With two jalapenos and chili powder, it has a mild to moderate spice level that adds to its Caribbean and Mexican character.
Can I use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender or food processor is used to puree half of the soup to enhance its overall texture.
How many green bell peppers are in the ingredients?
The recipe includes 2 chopped green bell peppers.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chili powder for seasoning.
Are dried or canned black beans used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 1 lb of dried black beans that must be soaked before cooking.
What type of onion is recommended?
One large red onion, chopped, is used for this medley.
Is this meal considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nourishing, nutrient-packed dish that is high in fiber and low in fat.
How much cumin is added to the soup?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What is the total cook time for the vegetables on low?
The vegetables and seasonings cook on the low setting for 2 to 3 hours.