Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, from Grill Drip, and I am beyond excited to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food creations with you: a Spicy Black Bean Soup that will absolutely rock your world! This isn’t your grandma’s bland soup recipe. No way! We’re turning up the heat and packing in some serious flavor.
This Spicy Black Bean Soup is one of those happy kitchen accidents that turned into a complete obsession. It was a late night, I was craving something warm and comforting, and I started throwing things into a pot. The result? Pure magic! I knew immediately that this Spicy Black Bean Soup needed to be shared.
What makes this Spicy Black Bean Soup so special? It’s the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors all wrapped up in a creamy, comforting hug. I’m talking about flavors that will make your taste buds sing and leave you wanting more. It’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a special occasion.
So, get ready to ditch the boring dinners and join me on this flavor adventure! This Spicy Black Bean Soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Spicy Black Bean Soup ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! And the best part? You can grab almost everything during your normal shopping trip. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these other great recipes!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (or more, if you like it extra spicy!)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 4 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips
No red bell pepper? No worries! I use an orange or yellow bell pepper all the time in my Spicy Black Bean Soup.
This Spicy Black Bean Soup gets its amazing taste from the combination of the spices and the smoky flavor of the paprika. Don’t skip those!
Here’s my Spicy Black Bean Soup secret that takes it from good to incredible: a splash of lime juice at the end. It brightens everything up and adds a zing that you won’t believe!
For a weeknight shortcut, you can use pre-chopped veggies. I won’t tell! Store leftover veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I love adding extra cumin to my Spicy Black Bean Soup for that earthy kick. Taste as you go and adjust the spices to your liking.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s dive into making this amazing Spicy Black Bean Soup! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and releasing their full flavor potential. I love the aroma that fills my kitchen at this point!
- Add the black beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. In my kitchen, this Spicy Black Bean Soup usually takes about 18 minutes to reach that perfect simmer.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Don’t worry if your Spicy Black Bean Soup looks a little thick at this point; we’ll thin it out if needed.
- Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste, taste, taste! Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Want more spice? Add a pinch more cayenne. Need more zing? Add another squeeze of lime.
While your Spicy Black Bean Soup is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Your **Spicy Black Bean Soup** should smell absolutely incredible right now. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the blending. I sometimes leave it super chunky, and sometimes I go for a smoother texture. It’s all about what you like!
And that’s it! You’ve just created a bowl of Spicy Black Bean Soup that’s bursting with flavor and ready to warm your soul. How amazing is that? If you want to switch it up you can also follow similar steps for this Creamy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup | Craving Something Healthy.
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, now for the fun part: serving up this Spicy Black Bean Soup! This is where you can really get creative and make it your own. If you are looking for weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out these Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps.
I love to enjoy this Spicy Black Bean Soup topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a few slices of avocado, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. People literally do happy dances when this Spicy Black Bean Soup hits the table with all the fixings!
This Spicy Black Bean Soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It also works great as a starter for a bigger meal or as a comforting lunch on a chilly day. And because it’s vegetarian, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
For bold flavor pairings that complement perfectly, try serving it with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the spice of the soup, and the freshness of the salad adds a nice contrast.
For presentation ideas that wow guests, try serving the soup in individual bowls and topping each one with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. You can even add a few slices of avocado and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra flair.
Let’s talk about fusion variations! I’ve experimented with adding a dollop of mango salsa for a sweet and spicy twist. It’s surprisingly delicious! For creative leftover transformations, this Spicy Black Bean Soup makes an amazing filling for tacos or burritos! Simply heat up the leftovers and spoon them into tortillas with your favorite toppings.
This Spicy Black Bean Soup reminds me of another bold flavor favorite; it is so delicious and comforting to eat.
FAQs:
Got questions about making this Spicy Black Bean Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Spicy Black Bean Soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving and easy to follow. Even if you’ve never made soup before, you can totally nail this.
What if I mess up my Spicy Black Bean Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t sweat it! Soup is one of those dishes that’s hard to mess up. If it’s too thick, add more broth. If it’s not spicy enough, add more cayenne. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
How can I prep this Spicy Black Bean Soup for busy weeknights?
You can chop the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. It actually tastes even better the next day!
Can I freeze this Spicy Black Bean Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I make this Spicy Black Bean Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Then, blend it up and enjoy!
What if I don’t have all the spices?
No problem! Use what you have on hand. Cumin and chili powder are the most important, but you can substitute other spices like oregano or garlic powder if needed.
Can I add meat to this Spicy Black Bean Soup?
Of course! If you’re not vegetarian, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the soup. Just add it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.
I have had so many of my readers ask questions about canning, one common question is around canning ingredients. The Ingredients for Canning Chipotle Black Bean Soup is a great read.
My family loves this Spicy Black Bean Soup, even my picky eaters! They especially love it when I serve it with plenty of toppings. And I love that it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that I can feel good about feeding them. This tasty Spicy Black Bean Soup recipe is a definite keeper!
CONCLUSION:
This Spicy Black Bean Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. I love making it because it’s so easy to customize and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face. It really is one of my favorite comfort foods with a twist.
Here are My Spicy Black Bean Soup Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices. Add more or less of what you like.
- Use high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- A squeeze of lime juice at the end is a must!
Here are a few delicious Spicy Black Bean Soup variations I’ve tested:
- Creamy: Add a can of coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Smoky: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
- Sweet: Add a diced sweet potato for a touch of sweetness.
For a cozy night in, go for the creamy version. For a game night with friends, the smoky version is sure to be a hit. For a healthy and satisfying lunch, the sweet potato version is perfect. And if you are in the mood for something sweet then this Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake is a great choice.
And remember to trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! The most important thing is to have fun and create a Spicy Black Bean Soup that you love. This Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe – Cookie and Kate is another great recipe that you will love! Give this amazing Spicy Black Bean Soup a try tonight!
I’m so excited for you to try this Spicy Black Bean Soup! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Spicy Black Bean Soup
This Spicy Black Bean Soup is packed with flavor and protein, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Customize the spice level to your liking and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer some of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a creamier soup, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before blending. Serve with a side of warm cornbread for a complete meal.