Velvety Sherry Black Bean Soup
This creamy and hearty Velvety Sherry Black Bean Soup is a timeless recipe that effortlessly combines the rich flavors of black beans with zesty salsa. Ready in just 30 minutes, this scrumptious soup is a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. The optional dry sherry adds a sophisticated touch, while hints of lime enhance the flavor profile. Ideal for meal prep, this dish not only tastes amazing but also freezes beautifully, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Serve it with dollops of sour cream and extra salsa for a burst of freshness.
4
Servings
150
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
salsa
1 cup (jarred is OK, plus extra for garnish)
black beans
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
chicken broth
2 cups (like College Inn)
sour cream
4 tablespoons (for garnish)
lime
1 (optional, for serving)
dry sherry
4-8 tablespoons (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the salsa over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the drained and rinsed black beans, along with the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
After simmering, gently cool the soup slightly. Carefully transfer half of the soup into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
5
Return the pureed soup back to the saucepan, stirring to combine it with the unblended portion for a delightful texture.
6
Reheat the combined soup over low heat until warmed through, stirring as needed.
7
Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of additional salsa, a squeeze of fresh lime (if desired), and a drizzle of dry sherry.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
22.5
Carbs
8.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Sherry Black Bean Soup?
It is a creamy and hearty soup that combines the rich flavors of black beans with zesty salsa, finished with a sophisticated touch of dry sherry.
How long does it take to make this soup?
This recipe is quick and easy, taking only 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this black bean soup freezer friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep and future dinners.
How do I achieve the velvety texture mentioned in the name?
The velvety texture is achieved by pureeing half of the soup in a food processor or blender and then mixing it back with the unblended portion.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, although the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include salsa, two cans of black beans, chicken broth, sour cream, lime, and dry sherry.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this soup?
Each serving provides about 8.75 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the dry sherry mandatory?
No, the dry sherry is optional, but it adds a sophisticated flavor profile to the dish.
Should the black beans be drained and rinsed?
Yes, the black beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the saucepan.
What kind of salsa should I use?
The recipe suggests that jarred salsa is perfectly fine to use.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What garnishes are recommended?
Recommended garnishes include a dollop of sour cream, extra salsa, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a drizzle of dry sherry.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, either a blender or a food processor can be used to puree half of the soup.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat the salsa in a large saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
How much salsa is required for the base?
You will need 1 cup of salsa for the soup base.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken broth.
What is the purpose of the lime in this recipe?
The lime is an optional garnish that enhances the overall flavor profile with a burst of freshness.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled to serve 8 people.
What is the suggested heat level for simmering?
The soup should be simmered on low heat after reaching a boil.
How much sour cream should be used for garnish?
The recipe suggests 4 tablespoons of sour cream, roughly 1 tablespoon per bowl.
Is this recipe considered a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and an 'easy recipe' perfect for busy nights.
What type of black beans should I buy?
You should use two 15.5-ounce cans of black beans.
Does the recipe specify a broth brand?
The recipe mentions College Inn as an example of the type of chicken broth to use.
How do I reheat the soup after pureeing?
Return the pureed portion to the saucepan and heat over low until warmed through, stirring as needed.
Is this soup hearty enough for a main course?
Yes, it is described as a hearty soup and is suitable for a cozy dinner.
How much sherry should I use for serving?
The recipe suggests using between 4 to 8 tablespoons of dry sherry total for serving.