Sopa Negra: Authentic Costa Rican Black Bean Soup
Sopa Negra, or Black Bean Soup, is a beloved dish rooted in Costa Rican tradition, known for its hearty and comforting nature. This dish showcases the rich flavors of black beans, complemented by aromatic vegetables and herbs, making it not just a meal but an experience. With the added richness of poached eggs, it becomes a fulfilling option for any time of day. The warmth of the soup is perfect for cozy family gatherings, and for those who enjoy a kick, it's delicious with a splash of hot sauce or slices of fresh hot peppers. Very easy to prepare, this classic recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
242
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black beans
2 (rinsed)
Eggs
6 (for poaching)
Lard or vegetable oil
2/3 cup (for sautéing)
Water
8 (for soaking and cooking)
Yellow onions
1 1/2 cups (diced)
Red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Oregano
1 (teaspoon)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Celery rib
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
Fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons (diced for garnish)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the dried black beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2
Place the rinsed beans in a large saucepan and cover them with 8 cups of fresh water. Let the beans soak for 2 hours to soften.
3
After soaking, bring the beans to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Remove from heat.
4
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beans along with some of their cooking liquid into a blender. Add the diced onions, chopped bell pepper, oregano, chopped cilantro, celery, crushed garlic, and the remaining cooking liquid. Blend until smooth.
5
Pour the pureed bean mixture back into the saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
6
To poach the eggs, gently crack them into the simmering soup, making sure they don’t stick together. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
7
Once the eggs are poached, remove the soup from the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by fried flour or corn tortillas for a traditional Costa Rican touch.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
33g
Carbs
13g
Protein
10g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sopa Negra?
Sopa Negra is a traditional Costa Rican black bean soup known for being a hearty and comforting staple of Costa Rican cuisine.
What are the main ingredients in Costa Rican Sopa Negra?
The primary ingredients include dried black beans, eggs for poaching, yellow onions, red bell pepper, celery, garlic, and fresh cilantro.
How long should I soak the dried black beans?
The beans should be soaked in 8 cups of fresh water for 2 hours to soften them before cooking.
How long do the beans need to simmer?
After boiling, reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for approximately 1.5 hours or until they are tender.
How are the eggs prepared in this soup?
The eggs are poached directly in the simmering bean soup until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
How long does it take to poach the eggs in the soup?
Poaching the eggs takes about 3 to 5 minutes once they are cracked into the simmering liquid.
Is Sopa Negra a vegetarian dish?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian, provided you use vegetable oil rather than lard for sautéing.
How many calories are in a serving of Sopa Negra?
There are approximately 242 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this soup?
Each serving provides about 13g of protein, largely from the black beans and poached eggs.
Does Sopa Negra contain a lot of fiber?
Yes, it is high in fiber, containing 10g per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The soup contains 8g of fat per serving.
What type of fat is used for sautéing?
You can use either lard for a traditional flavor or vegetable oil for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, this classic Costa Rican recipe is described as very easy to prepare.
What should I serve with Sopa Negra?
For a traditional touch, serve the soup with fried flour or corn tortillas.
Can I make Sopa Negra spicy?
While the base recipe is mild, you can add a splash of hot sauce or fresh hot peppers for an extra kick.
What herbs give the soup its flavor?
The soup is flavored with dried oregano and fresh cilantro.
Should the soup be chunky or smooth?
This recipe involves blending the cooked beans and vegetables until smooth before reheating and poaching the eggs.
How do you garnish the soup?
Garnish with fresh, diced cilantro leaves before serving.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 eggs to be poached in the soup.
What type of onions are recommended?
Yellow onions are recommended for this recipe.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe requires 3 crushed garlic cloves.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe require a blender?
Yes, a blender is used to puree the beans and aromatic vegetables together.
Is this soup good for families?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for cozy family gatherings and is a classic family meal.
Can I use red bell peppers or green?
This specific recipe calls for one chopped red bell pepper.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Costa Rican cuisine, black beans, soup, comfort food, traditional recipe, and hearty.
Do I need to rinse the beans first?
Yes, you should rinse the dried black beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris before soaking.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
You will need 8 cups of water for the soaking and cooking process.
What is the serving temperature?
Sopa Negra should be served hot.
When was this recipe added to the database?
The recipe was inserted on October 6, 2024.