Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Delight
This Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Delight is a cozy and hearty soup that's perfect for lunch or a quick snack. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this soup combines the smokiness of chipotle with the rich, earthy taste of black beans. It's versatile, forgiving, and can be easily customized to your liking—consider using canned beans for a quicker option or blending for a creamy texture. Topped with tangy yogurt and sharp cheddar, every spoonful is a burst of deliciousness. Ideal for meal prep, this soup freezes well, making it a great option for busy days!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black beans
1 cup (rinsed and sorted)
Boiling water
1/2 cup (for soaking beans)
Chipotle chile
1 (finely chopped)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
Onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Water
2 cups (for cooking soup)
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Low sodium chicken broth
1 (16 ounce) can (for soup base)
Ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
Plain fat-free yogurt
1/2 cup (for topping)
Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and sorting the dried black beans. Place them in a large Dutch oven and cover with water, ensuring the water level is about 2 inches above the beans. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow the beans to soak for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and set aside.
2
In the same Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3
Add the drained beans, finely chopped chipotle chile, 2 cups of water, dried oregano, ground cumin, and the low sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for approximately 3 hours or until the beans are soft.
4
Once the beans are cooked, carefully transfer 1 cup of the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Stir in the ground red pepper and the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, cooking until the entire mixture is thoroughly heated.
5
To serve, ladle the soup into 4 bowls and top each serving with a dollop of plain fat-free yogurt and a sprinkle of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Delight?
It is a hearty and cozy soup that combines the smokiness of chipotle with the rich, earthy taste of black beans, topped with tangy yogurt and sharp cheddar.
Is this soup spicy?
Yes, it features chipotle chile, ground red pepper, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, providing a flavorful kick.
How long does it take to cook the black beans?
After soaking for an hour, the dried beans need to simmer for approximately 3 hours until they are soft.
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
Yes, the recipe notes that canned beans can be used for a quicker cooking option if you are short on time.
What gives the soup its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of one finely chopped chipotle chile.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe includes a vegetarian tag, but you must substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to ensure it is truly vegetarian.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to serve 4 people when ladled into standard soup bowls.
What toppings are recommended for this soup?
It is best served with a dollop of plain fat-free yogurt and a sprinkle of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes, by blending 1 cup of the soup and returning it to the pot, you can create a thicker and creamier texture.
How do I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
Can I freeze Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Delight?
Yes, this soup freezes very well, making it an excellent option for busy days or long-term meal prep.
What kind of oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of olive oil to saute the onion and garlic.
How long should I soak the dried beans?
The beans should be brought to a boil for 2 minutes and then allowed to soak for 1 hour before draining.
What spices are in this black bean soup?
The soup is seasoned with dried oregano, ground cumin, and ground red pepper for a complex flavor profile.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain fat-free yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
What kind of cheese is best for topping?
Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for a bold and savory finish.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely, substituting vegetable broth works well and makes the dish suitable for vegetarians.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, because it freezes well and the flavors often develop further overnight, it is ideal for preparing in advance.
What should I do if the beans are still hard after 3 hours?
Continue simmering the beans until they reach your desired softness, adding a little more water if the liquid gets too low.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and forgiving, allowing you to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
How do I blend part of the soup safely?
Carefully transfer 1 cup of the hot soup to a blender, ensure the lid is secure, and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
What is the main protein source in this recipe?
The primary protein source is the dried black beans, which are high in fiber and nutrients.
Are the diced tomatoes and green chilies drained?
No, you should add the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained to retain all the flavorful juice.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped onion to be sauteed with the garlic.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the soup includes one minced garlic clove to add depth and fragrance.
What is the preparation for the chipotle chile?
The chipotle chile should be finely chopped before being added to the soup mixture for even heat distribution.
How much water is used for the soup base?
Two cups of water are used in addition to the can of low sodium chicken broth.
What is the texture of the soup?
The texture is hearty with whole beans, made slightly creamy by the addition of blended beans and tomatoes.
Can I skip the soaking process?
It is recommended to follow the soaking process for dried beans to ensure they cook evenly and have a better texture.
What makes this soup hearty?
The combination of fiber-rich black beans, savory broth, and satisfying toppings makes it a very filling meal.