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Weeknight • Soups

Simple Southwest Black Bean Soup

This quick and hearty vegetarian soup is packed with smoky Southwest flavors and protein-rich black beans.

Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Simple Southwest Black Bean Soup

Craving a warm, comforting bowl that's both healthy and bursting with flavor? This Simple Southwest Black Bean Soup is your answer! It comes together in under 30 minutes, using pantry staples, and delivers a delicious, hearty meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s a vegetarian dream.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), rinsed black beans, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. For a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend about 1/3 of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer 1-2 cups to a regular blender, blend, and return to the pot.

  5. Step 5

    Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  6. Step 6

    Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and crushed tortilla chips.

Tips

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
  • For a heartier meal, serve with a side of cornbread or a cheesy quesadilla.
  • This soup freezes beautifully! Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

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