Ultimate Comfort Black Bean Soup
Experience the rich, hearty flavors of our Ultimate Comfort Black Bean Soup. This recipe, lovingly adapted from a cherished PG&E pamphlet featuring MUSTARD'S GRILL in St. Helena, CA, has been a family favorite for years. Loaded with wholesome ingredients like crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and an aromatic blend of spices, this soup is not just a meal but a warm embrace in a bowl. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, serve it topped with crunchy red onions, a swirl of sour cream, and vibrant chives to elevate every spoonful. Everyone who tries it leaves raving about its unforgettable taste. The preparation time does not include soaking the beans, so plan ahead for this delicious dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black beans
1 lb (Soaked overnight or boiled for 1 hour then drained)
Water
4 1/2 cups (Used for soaking the beans)
Bacon
1/4 lb (Cooked until crispy)
Garlic cloves
5 (Minced)
Celery
2 stalks (Minced)
Carrot
1 large (Peeled and diced)
Onion
1 medium (Diced)
Jalapeño pepper
1 (Seeded and minced)
Bay leaf
1 (Used as-is)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (Used as-is)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (Used as-is)
Cayenne pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (Used as-is)
Ground pepper
1/2-3/4 teaspoon (Used as-is)
Chicken broth or Beef broth
8 cups (Used as-is)
Salt
To taste (Used as-is)
Instructions
1
Soak the black beans overnight in 4 1/2 cups of water, or alternatively, bring the water to a boil and then let the beans sit for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
2
In a heavy, large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it's golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
3
Add the minced garlic, celery, diced carrot, onion, jalapeño, and bay leaf to the pot. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables become tender, about 10 minutes.
4
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ground pepper. Stir the spices in for about 1 minute until they become aromatic.
5
Introduce the soaked black beans and your choice of chicken or beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6
Bring the mixture to a slow boil and then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
7
Once the soup is cooked, season with salt to taste.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped red onions, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Ultimate Comfort Black Bean Soup.
Where does this black bean soup recipe originate from?
It was adapted from a PG&E pamphlet featuring Mustard's Grill in St. Helena, CA.
How many black beans are needed?
You will need 1 lb of black beans.
How long should I soak the black beans?
You can soak them overnight or bring them to a boil and let them sit for 1 hour.
How much water is required for soaking the beans?
Use 4 1/2 cups of water for the soaking process.
Should I drain the soaking water?
Yes, drain the beans and set them aside after soaking.
How much bacon is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of bacon.
How long should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the bacon over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 5 minced garlic cloves.
What vegetables are sautéed in the bacon fat?
Minced garlic, celery, diced carrot, onion, and jalapeño are sautéed together.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the vegetables for about 10 minutes until they become tender.
What spices are included in the spice blend?
The spices include chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ground pepper.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of cumin.
Is there a specific amount of chili powder?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
Use between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference.
How long should the spices be cooked?
Stir the spices in for about 1 minute until they become aromatic.
What type of broth can I use for this soup?
You can use either chicken broth or beef broth.
How much broth is needed for the cooking process?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of broth.
What is the recommended cooking method after adding the beans and broth?
Bring the mixture to a slow boil and then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the beans are tender.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
When do I add salt to the soup?
Add salt to taste once the soup is completely cooked.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
Serve with chopped red onions, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives.
Does the preparation time include soaking the beans?
No, the preparation time does not include the time needed for soaking.
Is a bay leaf used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 bay leaf is added during the vegetable sauté stage.
Should the jalapeño be seeded?
Yes, the jalapeño should be seeded and minced before adding to the pot.
How much ground pepper is used?
Use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
What size carrot should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 large peeled and diced carrot.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
You will need 2 minced stalks of celery.
What type of onion is recommended for the soup base?
The recipe uses 1 medium diced onion for the base.