If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting soup that’s packed with flavor, this Creamy Black Bean Soup is a must-try. It’s rich, smooth, and filled with warm spices that make every spoonful deeply satisfying. Whether you serve it as a main dish with some crusty bread or as a starter to a larger meal, this black bean soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It comes together with simple pantry staples, making it a great budget-friendly meal. Plus, it’s naturally packed with protein and fiber, making it both filling and nutritious. You can blend it until smooth for a creamy consistency or leave it slightly chunky for some texture—either way, it’s incredibly comforting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a preview of the key ingredients. Full list below!)

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
1 tbsp lime juice
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro and sour cream (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Beans

Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the onions in the spices, then add the drained black beans. Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the salsa or diced tomatoes. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Blend Until Creamy

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend before returning it to the pot.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Season

Stir in the lime juice and heavy cream (or coconut milk if making dairy-free). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it heat through for another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and maybe some crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make it extra smoky: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce when blending for a deep, smoky heat.
Thicken the soup naturally: If you want a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Use dried black beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding them to the soup.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Spicy version: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions for an extra kick.
Dairy-free option: Skip the cream and use coconut milk or cashew cream for a silky, plant-based alternative.
Protein boost: Stir in shredded chicken or cooked quinoa for added protein.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Creamy Black Bean Soup pairs perfectly with warm tortillas, cornbread, or a grilled cheese sandwich. For a fresh contrast, serve it alongside a crisp avocado salad or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours before blending.
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! Canned black beans make this recipe quick and easy, but you can use dried beans if you prefer—just cook them ahead of time.
What toppings go well with black bean soup?
Great toppings include sour cream, diced avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes, or mash some of the beans before blending to naturally thicken the soup.

Conclusion

This Creamy Black Bean Soup is the perfect combination of rich, smoky, and satisfying flavors. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and completely customizable to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal or make a big batch for meal prep, this soup will quickly become a household favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Creamy Black Bean Soup: A Cozy and Flavorful Bowl

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This rich and hearty Creamy Black Bean Soup is packed with bold flavors, warm spices, and a velvety texture. Made with pantry staples like black beans, broth, and spices, it’s a simple, budget-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy it as a cozy main course or a flavorful side!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Blending
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Beans

Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well, then add the drained black beans. Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the salsa or diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Step 4: Blend Until Creamy

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches before returning it to the pot.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Season

Stir in lime juice and heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it heat through for another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla strips for extra crunch.