Black Bean Soup

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

This hearty black bean soup delivers rich, creamy comfort in every spoonful. Infused with aromatic spices including cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, it brings authentic Latin American flavors to your table. The combination of tender beans, vegetables, and vegetable broth creates a satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

Perfectly blended to achieve that ideal creamy texture while preserving whole beans for depth, this soup comes together in under an hour. Serve it hot with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, zesty lime, or a dollop of sour cream for a complete, nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out.

Updated on Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:14:23 GMT
Creamy black bean soup topped with avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge served in a rustic bowl. Save to Pinterest
Creamy black bean soup topped with avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge served in a rustic bowl. | recipesforevers.com

A rich and creamy Black Bean Soup infused with warming spices, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. This Latin American classic is an easy-to-make dish that combines hearty beans with aromatic vegetables and a blend of smoky spices for a satisfying finish.

Creamy black bean soup topped with avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge served in a rustic bowl. Save to Pinterest
Creamy black bean soup topped with avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge served in a rustic bowl. | recipesforevers.com

This recipe yields four servings, making it a wonderful option for a family dinner or meal prep. With a total time of 55 minutes, you can achieve a professional-quality soup with a complex flavor profile right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Beans & Vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked black beans)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Spices & Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Garnishes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream or vegan yogurt
  • Sliced avocado
  • Lime wedges
  • Diced red onion
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
Step 2
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Step 4
Add black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Step 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture, leaving some beans and vegetables whole. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime, or red onion.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure success, use a large pot and a wooden spoon for stirring. This recipe is naturally free of major allergens, but always check labels on canned products and broth. For tools, you will need a chef's knife, a cutting board, and an immersion or countertop blender.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra richness, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you prefer a spicier soup, add a chopped jalapeño with the vegetables during the initial sauté.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or vegan yogurt, and sliced avocado. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright citrus finish and diced red onion for added crunch.

A comforting bowl of black bean soup garnished with sour cream and red onion, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
A comforting bowl of black bean soup garnished with sour cream and red onion, ready to enjoy. | recipesforevers.com

Whether you are looking for a healthy lunch or a cozy dinner, this Black Bean Soup delivers deep flavor and satisfying nutrition in every spoonful. Enjoy it hot with your favorite plant-based or dairy-based toppings.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup entirely smooth?

Yes, simply blend the entire soup until completely smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender. The texture will be uniformly creamy rather than having chunks of vegetables and beans.

How can I add more protein to this soup?

Stir in cooked quinoa, rice, or even small pasta shapes during the last 10 minutes of simmering. You can also top with shredded cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or add cubed tofu while cooking.

What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and intensify over time. This soup also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely. Soak 1 cup dried black beans overnight, then cook them until tender before adding to the soup. You'll need about 3 cups of cooked beans, which is equivalent to two 15-ounce cans.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper with the vegetables in step one. You can also increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon, or add hot sauce to taste when serving.

What can I serve with black bean soup?

Warm tortillas or cornbread make excellent sides. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the richness. For a complete Latin American meal, serve alongside rice or as a topping for baked sweet potatoes.

Black Bean Soup

Rich, creamy black bean soup with warming spices perfect for cozy meals.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Complete Duration
55 minutes

Recipe Type Everyday Cozy Meals

Complexity Easy

Cuisine Latin American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Meatless, Without Gluten

What You Need

Beans & Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 medium carrot, diced
05 1 celery stalk, diced
06 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
07 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
08 4 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Seasoning

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

Garnishes

01 Chopped fresh cilantro
02 Sour cream or vegan yogurt
03 Sliced avocado
04 Lime wedges
05 Diced red onion

Directions

Step 01

Sauté the base vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

Step 02

Bloom the garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Step 03

Toast the spices: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute to release essential oils and enhance flavor.

Step 04

Combine main ingredients: Add drained black beans, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all elements.

Step 05

Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.

Step 06

Achieve desired consistency: Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a creamy texture while leaving some beans and vegetables intact. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a countertop blender, puree until smooth, and return to the pot.

Step 07

Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed to achieve desired flavor balance.

Step 08

Serve and garnish: Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, lime wedges, or diced red onion according to preference.

Essential Tools

  • Large pot
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Sour cream garnish contains dairy
  • Verify canned product labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination
  • Verify vegetable broth labels for gluten and sodium content

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 270
  • Total Fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 42 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams