Zesty Brazilian Orange & Black Bean Soup
This hearty and vibrant Zesty Brazilian Orange & Black Bean Soup is a crowd-pleaser that bursts with flavor and nutrition. It's perfect for any occasion, whether you're serving it fresh after cooking, enjoying it as leftovers the next day, or savoring a warm bowl from the freezer. The soup brings together the richness of black beans with the zesty brightness of fresh orange juice, complemented by earthy cumin and aromatic vegetables. It's versatile enough for brunch paired with tortillas, a wholesome dinner with cornbread, or a delightful lunch alongside a salad. With its thick and satisfying texture that deepens over time, it's often met with rave reviews, making it a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. Embrace the joy of cooking and impress your friends and family with this comforting dish, brimming with healthy ingredients.
8
Servings
225
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
2 cups (soaked)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onions
2 cups (chopped (about 1.5 large onions))
garlic cloves
10 medium (crushed)
cumin
2 tablespoons (ground)
salt
2-2.5 teaspoons (to taste)
carrot
1 medium (diced)
bell pepper
1 medium (diced)
orange juice
1.5 cups (freshly squeezed)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
diced tomatoes
2 (optional)
sour cream
to taste (for garnish (optional))
cilantro
to taste (for garnish (optional))
salsa
to taste (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
1. Begin by soaking the black beans in a generous amount of water for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for optimal tenderness.
2
2. After soaking, drain the beans and transfer them to a kettle or Dutch oven. Add 4 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking until the beans are tender, about 1.25 hours.
3
3. In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, 5 crushed cloves of garlic, cumin, salt, and diced carrot. Sauté the mixture until the carrot is just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4
4. Stir in the remaining crushed garlic and diced bell pepper, continuing to sauté until all vegetables are very tender, about 10-15 minutes more. Be sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
5
5. Once the beans are tender, add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the kettle, stirring well to combine. Incorporate the orange juice, and season with black pepper and cayenne according to your taste preferences. If desired, mix in the diced tomatoes at this stage for extra texture.
6
6. To create a creamier soup, you have the option to puree part or all of the soup using a blender and then return it to the kettle. Allow the soup to simmer over very low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
7
7. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with a beautiful arrangement of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and your favorite salsa for added zest.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Brazilian Orange & Black Bean Soup?
It is a hearty and vibrant soup that combines the richness of black beans with the brightness of fresh orange juice and aromatic vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Is this black bean soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the sour cream garnish.
How long should I soak the black beans?
You should soak the beans for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best texture.
How much orange juice is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Can I make the soup creamier?
Yes, you can puree part or all of the soup using a blender before the final simmer to create a creamier texture.
What spices are needed for this soup?
The main spices include 2 tablespoons of ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 10 medium garlic cloves, all of which should be crushed.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The soup includes onions, carrot, and bell pepper.
How long do the beans take to cook after soaking?
After bringing them to a boil, the beans should simmer for about 1.25 hours until tender.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep as the flavors deepen over time and it can be stored in the freezer.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Suggested garnishes are sour cream, fresh cilantro, and your favorite salsa.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 11.25g of protein per serving.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is there a lot of fiber in this soup?
Yes, each serving provides 7.5g of fiber.
Are tomatoes required for this recipe?
No, 2 diced tomatoes are an optional addition for extra texture.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 2 cups of chopped onions, which is approximately 1.5 large onions.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 3.75g per serving.
When should I add the cayenne pepper?
Cayenne pepper should be added along with the orange juice and black pepper once the vegetables and beans are combined.
Can I serve this for brunch?
Yes, it pairs very well with tortillas for a hearty brunch option.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 37.5g of carbohydrates.
Does the recipe contain any added sugar?
The recipe has 1.25g of sugar per serving, which primarily comes from the natural ingredients like orange juice.
Why do I need to scrape the pan while sautéing?
Scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan incorporates extra flavor into the vegetable mixture.
How much water is added to the beans for boiling?
Add 4 cups of fresh water to the drained beans for cooking.
What is the final step before serving?
The soup should simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use any color of bell pepper?
Yes, the recipe simply calls for one medium diced bell pepper of your choice.
Is the garlic added all at once?
No, 5 cloves are sautéed initially with the onions, and the remaining 5 cloves are added later with the bell pepper.
What makes this soup Brazilian-inspired?
The combination of black beans and orange juice is a classic flavor profile found in Brazilian cuisine, such as in Feijoada.
What is the amount of salt recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 to 2.5 teaspoons of salt, adjusted to your personal taste.