Spicy Black Bean Soul Soup
Experience a warm and comforting bowl of Spicy Black Bean Soul Soup, packed with rich flavors and an intense spicy kick. This hearty soup combines the creaminess of black beans with the aromatic notes of sautéed onions and garlic, a medley of vibrant spices, and fresh green bell pepper. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests, this nutritious and filling recipe not only warms the belly but also brings people together. Serve it with crunchy crackers, wholesome whole wheat toast, or soft pitas for a satisfying meal that you can share and enjoy.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
7 cups (none)
Black beans
4 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
Onions
2 medium (chopped)
Garlic cloves
5 (minced)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
Green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, mix the 7 cups of water and the drained black beans. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic with the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the pot with the boiling beans and water. Stir well and continue boiling for an additional 15 minutes.
4
Add the chopped green bell pepper to the pot, reduce the heat, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.
6
Carefully pour half of the soup mixture into a blender and puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup back to the pot and stir to combine.
7
Reheat the soup gently until it's warmed through, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve hot, accompanied by crackers, whole wheat toast, or pitas.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Black Bean Soul Soup?
Spicy Black Bean Soul Soup is a warm, comforting, and hearty soup that combines creamy black beans with aromatic onions, garlic, vibrant spices, and green bell pepper.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
Is this black bean soup vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients list which includes beans, vegetables, and oil, this recipe is vegetarian.
How many cans of black beans are required?
You will need 4 cans (15 ounces each) of black beans, which should be drained before use.
How much water is used in the base of the soup?
The recipe calls for 7 cups of water.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How many onions should I prepare?
You should use 2 medium onions, chopped.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 5 minced garlic cloves.
What ingredients provide the spicy kick in this soup?
The heat comes from 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
At what point do I add the green bell pepper?
The chopped green bell pepper should be added to the pot after the combined mixture has boiled for 15 minutes.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once the green bell pepper is added, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
What is the secret to making the soup creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, you should puree half of the cooked soup mixture in a blender and then stir it back into the pot.
How long should the soup cool before blending?
Let the soup cool for about 15-20 minutes after removing it from the heat before attempting to blend it.
What are some recommended side dishes for this soup?
This soup pairs well with crunchy crackers, whole wheat toast, or soft pitas.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be adjusted to taste during the final reheating phase.
Can I use a blender for the whole batch of soup?
The instructions suggest pureeing only half of the soup to maintain a balance between a smooth base and whole beans.
Do I boil the beans and water together first?
Yes, the first step is to mix the water and drained black beans in a large pot and bring them to a boil.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients in total.
Is there any preparation needed for the beans?
The canned black beans simply need to be drained before being added to the pot.
Should the heat be high during the simmering process?
No, the heat should be reduced before adding the green bell peppers for the 20-minute simmer.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
Based on the vegetable and bean-based ingredients, this soup is naturally low in or free of cholesterol.
Is this a good meal for guests?
Yes, the description notes it is an impressive and nutritious meal to share with guests.
How do I reheat the soup after pureeing?
Reheat the soup gently until it is warmed through, ensuring you don't boil it vigorously after adding the pureed portion.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, like many bean soups, the flavors of this Spicy Black Bean Soul Soup will continue to meld and improve over time.
What is the role of the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper adds a vibrant color and a fresh note to the flavor profile during the simmering stage.
Are the spices added to the water or the skillet?
The cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes are sautéed in the skillet with the onions and garlic.
What makes this soup a 'comfort food'?
The combination of warmth, spicy heat, and filling beans makes it a satisfying and soul-warming meal.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 5 garlic cloves should be minced before being sautéed in olive oil.