Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Black Bean Delight Soup?
It is a rich and robust soup inspired by the Panera Bread recipe, made from wholesome ingredients like black beans, vegetables, and cumin.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock or bouillon instead of chicken bouillon.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving.
What are the primary vegetables in this soup?
The soup includes onion, garlic, celery, and red bell pepper.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 4 grams of fiber per serving.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
The creaminess is achieved by pureeing half of the soup with an immersion blender and adding a cornstarch slurry.
Should I drain the black beans before adding them?
No, use two 15-ounce cans of undrained black beans to help create the soup's base.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with salt and cumin for a savory, zesty flavor.
How long should I sautรฉ the vegetables?
Sautรฉ the onion, garlic, celery, and red bell pepper for about 10 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch?
Cornstarch is mixed with water to create a slurry that thickens the soup to your desired consistency.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the soup after adding the cornstarch slurry and stirring well.
What if I don't have an immersion blender?
You can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular upright blender to puree it.
How much water is needed for the bouillon?
Use 1 to 1 1/2 cups of boiling water to dissolve the bouillon cubes.
Is this soup low in fat?
Yes, it is very low in fat, containing only 0.8g per serving.
What makes this soup 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, cumin, and red bell pepper provides its signature zesty flavor profile.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a delightful one-dish meal, making cleanup easy.
How many cans of black beans are used?
The recipe requires two 15-ounce cans of black beans.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned beans for convenience, you can use cooked fresh beans with their cooking liquid.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 16.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much celery is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped celery ribs.
Is there any cholesterol in this soup?
According to the nutritional data, the cholesterol content is not listed or is negligible.
Can I store this soup for later?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep and can be served as a quick lunch on the go.
How much cumin should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
What size red bell pepper do I need?
You only need 1/4 of a large red bell pepper, finely chopped.
How many bouillon cubes are used?
The recipe uses 2 crumbled chicken (or vegetable) bouillon cubes.
Is this soup spicy?
It is savory and zesty rather than hot-spicy, though you could add chili flakes if you prefer heat.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the final step in cooking?
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.