Description
Simmering with rich, authentic flavors, Mexican Style Black Bean Soup delivers a hearty comfort straight from traditional kitchens. Robust spices and creamy beans invite you to savor a delicious journey through Mexico’s culinary landscape.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Beans:
- 3 cups cooked black beans
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Vegetables and Spices:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame. Gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and ground spices including cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and coriander. Toast the spices briefly until their fragrances become pronounced and vibrant, around 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in black beans, vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, and finely chopped jalapeno peppers for an optional heat component. Elevate the temperature to trigger a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together and develop deep, complex flavors. Let the mixture quietly bubble for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- For those desiring a velvety consistency, utilize an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a standard blender, transforming it into a smooth liquid, then reincorporate into the remaining soup.
- Brighten the soup’s profile by stirring in fresh lime juice, which will add a tangy dimension. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to harmonize the flavors.
- Serve the steaming soup in individual bowls, encouraging personalization with an array of garnishes like chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Accompany with warm tortillas or crusty artisan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Swap beans easily by using kidney or pinto beans for variety without changing core flavor profile.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating jalapeño and chili powder for sensitive palates.
- Create vegan-friendly version by ensuring vegetable broth and omitting any dairy-based garnishes.
- Enhance protein content by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chorizo during simmering stage for meat lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg