Name: Black Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion); 1½ cups chopped carrot (about 4 medium carrots); 2 celery ribs finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Ground black pepper to taste; 3 (15.25-ounce/432g) cans black beans drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth (960ml); ¼ cup fresh lime juice (80ml); Sour cream; Fresh chopped cilantro; Sliced avocado

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you are craving something comforting, nutritious, and downright delicious, this Black Bean Soup Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This hearty, velvety soup is a perfect example of how pantry staples can transform into a soul-warming meal that is both vegetarian-friendly and packed with bold flavors. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve guests, this Black Bean Soup Recipe brings together rich spices, fresh veggies, and creamy black beans for a bowl of pure satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two steps of cooking in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. In the first step, a wooden spoon stirs a mix of diced white onions and bright orange carrots, with the vegetables sitting on a thin layer of yellow oil at the bottom of the bowl. In the second step, the same mixture is visible with a pile of brown powdery spice in the middle, and a woman's hand holding a copper spoon sprinkling green leafy herbs over the vegetables. The colors are warm and the scene is softly lit, highlighting the texture of the diced vegetables and the spices being added photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Black Bean Soup Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of texture, flavor, and color. From the aromatic sautéed vegetables to the earthy spices and tangy lime, every component invites you to enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness that feels like a warm hug.

4 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and helps bloom the spices.
2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
1½ cups chopped carrot (about 4 medium carrots): Brings subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 celery ribs finely chopped: Offers a mild aromatic crunch that balances flavors.
4 cloves garlic minced: Imparts pungent warmth that lifts the entire dish.
1 tablespoon ground cumin: Delivers a smoky, earthy undertone characteristic of this recipe.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances complexity with herbal notes.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Elevates the natural flavors perfectly.
Ground black pepper to taste: Adds just the right amount of heat and spice.
3 (15.25-ounce/432g) cans black beans drained and rinsed: The heart of the soup, packed with protein and fiber.
4 cups vegetable broth (960ml): Creates a flavorful, savory liquid base.
¼ cup fresh lime juice (80ml): Brings refreshing brightness and balances richness.
Toppings such as sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, sliced avocado: For creamy, fresh, and tangy garnishes that take the soup to the next level.

How to Make Black Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by warming the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally. Let these cook until tender, about 10 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and creates a flavorful foundation that will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Next, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes. This process, often overlooked, blooms the spices and releases their essential oils, adding a deliciously robust character to the soup base.

Step 3: Add Beans, Broth, and Lime

Now, pour in the drained black beans, vegetable broth, and fresh lime juice. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beans to soften perfectly.

Step 4: Blend for Thickness

If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, carefully blend about 2 cups of the soup using either a regular blender or immersion blender. Remember to remove the blender lid centerpiece and cover with a towel to avoid splashes. Stir the blended portion back into the pot to create a luscious consistency that is both hearty and satisfying.

Step 5: Final Simmer and Serve

Cook the soup uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken up to your desired consistency. The longer you simmer, the richer and more concentrated the flavors become. Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and prepare to dress it with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Black Bean Soup Recipe

A bowl of black bean soup with visible black beans, small orange carrot pieces, and light brown onion bits in dark brown liquid fills the speckled beige bowl. On top, there is a layer of white sour cream in the center, three pale green avocado slices slightly curved around the sour cream, and several bright green cilantro leaves scattered over the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a white bowl filled with light yellow tortilla chips. In the background, a wooden cutting board holds lime wedges and more green cilantro. A gold spoon lies on a red and white patterned cloth to the left of the soup bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Black Bean Soup Recipe elevates every spoonful. A dollop of creamy sour cream adds silkiness, while fresh chopped cilantro introduces a burst of herbal freshness. Slices of ripe avocado bring buttery richness and a stunning presentation. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these toppings as they complement the smokiness of the soup beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or a crisp green salad makes your dinner even more satisfying. For a Mexican-inspired touch, serve alongside tortilla chips or a simple corn salad. These sides provide contrasting textures and flavors to make every bite exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in small hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic look. You could also layer it with toppings in clear glass cups for an attractive appetizer. If you’re entertaining, offer an array of garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their bowl, making it both interactive and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Black Bean Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve the next day, making it a perfect meal to enjoy later with minimal effort.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick, healthy meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your Black Bean Soup Recipe over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even warming. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Using dried beans requires soaking them overnight and then cooking until tender before adding to the soup. Adjust the liquid amounts accordingly, and expect a bit more prep time, but the results will be just as delightful.

Is this Black Bean Soup Recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, the recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly if you skip the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative. It’s a wholesome choice for any diet looking for plant-powered nourishment.

How can I add more protein to this soup?

To boost protein, stir in shredded cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu cubes right before serving. Beans are already a great protein source, but these additions can make the soup heartier.

What can I do if the soup is too spicy or bland?

If it’s too spicy, add a little more vegetable broth or a dollop of sour cream to mellow it out. For a bland soup, a squeeze more lime juice, a pinch more salt, or extra cumin can brighten and deepen the flavors.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Start by sautéing the vegetables and spices on the stove, then transfer everything including the beans, broth, and lime juice to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours for convenient, hands-off cooking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a bowl of homemade Black Bean Soup Recipe—it’s comforting, nourishing, and versatile enough to become a weeknight staple or a crowd-pleasing starter. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every creamy, flavorful spoonful as much as I do. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s such a favorite in so many kitchens!

Black Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need