Spicy Hearty Black Bean Soup
Enjoy a warm bowl of our Spicy Hearty Black Bean Soup, perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. This nutritious and flavorful dish combines tender black beans, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. It’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with health benefits, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and those seeking a hearty meal. Serve it with a slice of cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will savor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
oregano
1 teaspoon (crumbled)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black beans
1 1/2 cups (cooked and drained)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (none)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped (or parsley))
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4
Add the crumbled oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
5
In a blender, puree half of the cooked black beans until smooth, then set aside.
6
To the pan, add the bean puree, the remaining whole black beans, and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
7
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Hearty Black Bean Soup?
It is a nutritious and flavorful dish combining tender black beans, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, perfect for cozy nights or meal prep.
How much olive oil is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
What size onion should I use?
You should use 1 large onion, chopped.
How many garlic cloves are in the soup?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with crumbled oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
How many black beans are required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of cooked and drained black beans.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
While the recipe suggests chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian or vegan.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are translucent and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Why are the spices toasted in the pan?
The spices are cooked for one minute to toast them, which helps release their flavors and aromas.
How do I create a thicker texture for the soup?
To create a hearty texture, puree half of the cooked black beans in a blender before adding them back to the pan.
What do I do with the other half of the black beans?
The remaining half of the black beans are added whole to the pan along with the bean puree and broth.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is a good garnish for this black bean soup?
Garnish the soup with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
What can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?
It is delicious when served with a slice of cornbread or a fresh side salad.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep as the flavors often deepen after sitting.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount as fresh herbs are generally less concentrated than dried ones.
What is the preparation for the oregano?
The oregano should be crumbled before being added to the spice mixture.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious dish full of fiber from black beans and health benefits from fresh herbs and spices.
Can I use a blender for the whole soup?
The instructions recommend pureeing only half the beans to maintain a balance of smooth and chunky textures.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the total amount of dried thyme?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What heat setting should I use for the saucepan?
A medium heat setting is recommended for heating the oil and sautéing the vegetables.
Is the soup spicy?
Yes, the combination of cayenne pepper, cumin, and garlic provides a spicy and hearty flavor profile.
Can I use parsley instead of cilantro?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that chopped parsley can be used as a garnish if you prefer it over cilantro.
Should the black beans be drained before use?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the black beans should be cooked and drained before being added to the soup.