There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, don’t you think? It wraps you up like a cozy blanket, especially on chilly evenings. My absolute favorite? Mexican style black bean soup! The rich, earthy flavors combined with a touch of spice create a hug in a bowl that I can’t resist. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of sautéed onions and garlic filled my kitchen, and I just knew it was going to be special. Every spoonful is packed with hearty black beans and vibrant veggies, and the fresh cilantro on top? Wow! It’s like a little burst of freshness that kicks everything up a notch. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with friends, this soup never disappoints and always warms my heart.
Ingredients for Mexican Style Black Bean Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and hearty soup. Trust me, gathering these ingredients is half the fun!
- 2 cups black beans, soaked and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Feel free to use canned black beans if you’re in a pinch, but soaking and cooking your own really elevates the flavor. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Mexican Style Black Bean Soup
Ready to dive into the wonderful world of flavors? Making this Mexican style black bean soup is a breeze, and I promise, you’ll love every minute of it! Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab a large pot and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. You want it shimmering but not smoking—just enough to get things going! This takes just a minute or two.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Oh, the aroma! Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking. This is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Add Bell Pepper
Now, let’s add that vibrant bell pepper. Mix it in and cook for another 5 minutes. You want it to soften a bit but still have some nice crunch left. The colors in your pot should be dazzling by now!
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Time to bring everything together! Add in the soaked black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir it all up and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Puree for Creaminess
If you like your soup a bit creamy (who doesn’t?), carefully puree half of it using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a blender. Just blend until you get your desired texture, then mix it back in the pot.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Finally, serve your soup hot, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro. It adds such a lovely brightness to every bowl! Enjoy this hearty dish with a side of tortilla chips for that perfect crunch. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to warm your soul!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Rich, flavorful taste that brings a touch of Mexico to your kitchen.
- Simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
- Healthy and packed with protein and fiber from black beans.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so it’s a great make-ahead meal.
Tips for Success with Mexican Style Black Bean Soup
Want to make your Mexican style black bean soup even more amazing? Here are a few tips I always keep in mind! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you love a kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños for extra heat. Also, if you prefer a smokier flavor, a sprinkle of smoked paprika can do wonders!
When it comes to serving, consider pairing it with crispy tortilla chips for that delightful crunch, or even some avocado slices on top for creaminess. If you have any leftover soup, it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just remember to store it in an airtight container in the fridge! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use in your Mexican style black bean soup. Factors like the size of your vegetables or the type of broth can all affect the final numbers. I always recommend checking the labels on your products for the most accurate information. Cooking is all about personal preference, so enjoy the process and make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mexican Style Black Bean Soup
Got questions about my Mexican style black bean soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear.
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! Just rinse and drain them well before adding to the soup. It saves time and still tastes delicious!
How can I make it spicier?
If you love heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while it simmers. You can always adjust to your preferred level of spice!
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! Once it cools, store it in an airtight container and it’ll last up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
Tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a side salad are fantastic companions! They add extra texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers of that delicious Mexican style black bean soup? You’re in luck, because storing it is super easy! Just let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 4-5 days, which is perfect for meal prepping!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! I recommend portioning it out into smaller containers or freezer bags for easy reheating later. It’ll last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to bring back that perfect soup consistency. Enjoy every flavorful spoonful again!
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Mexican Style Black Bean Soup: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Mexican style black bean soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans, soaked and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add soaked black beans, broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Puree half the soup for a creamy texture, if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mexican style black bean soup, black bean soup, vegetarian soup
