Chili’s Black Bean Soup

Serve this soup with some grilled quesadillas or a salad to make a complete meal.

Chili’s Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of black beans with a variety of spices and seasonings. This popular soup from Chili’s restaurant is known for its delicious taste and satisfying texture.

Chili’s Black Bean Soup begins with a base of black beans, which are simmered to perfection, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency. The soup features a blend of ingredients such as diced onions, carrots, and green bell peppers, which add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. These vegetables are sautéed in olive oil until tender, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

To enhance the savory profile, the soup is seasoned with a combination of spices and condiments. Ingredients like garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper contribute to the bold and robust flavors of the soup. The addition of beef bouillon cubes further enriches the taste, providing a savory umami element.

To balance the flavors, Chili’s Black Bean Soup includes a touch of tanginess and sweetness. Cooking sherry and distilled white vinegar add a subtle acidity, while Worcestershire sauce and granulated sugar provide a hint of sweetness to complement the savory notes.

The soup is finished off with small-diced smoked sausage, which adds a smoky and meaty dimension to the dish. The sausage infuses the soup with its distinct flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Chili’s Black Bean Soup is served hot and garnished with various toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions, depending on personal preference. These toppings add a burst of freshness and creaminess to the soup, elevating it to a delightful and satisfying meal.

Overall, Chili’s Black Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of black beans, vegetables, spices, and sausage. It is a popular choice for soup lovers who appreciate a hearty and well-balanced bowl of goodness.

SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup diced yellow onion
• ¼ cup diced carrot
• ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 cup boiling water
• 4 beef bouillon cubes
• 1½ quarts undrained canned black beans
• 2 tablespoons cooking sherry
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 8 ounces small-diced smoked sausage
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium stockpot, heat ¼ cup olive oil and add diced yellow onion, carrot, and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until tender.
2. In a separate saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 4 beef bouillon cubes and allow them to dissolve.
3. To the sautéed vegetables, add the dissolved bouillon, 1½ quarts undrained canned black beans, 2 tablespoons cooking sherry, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons chili powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Transfer 1 quart of the soup to a blender and purée until smooth. Return the puréed soup to the pot.
5. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add the cornstarch mixture to the soup and bring to a boil for 1 minute.