Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and hearty soup that brings a taste of the islands to your table. Made with dried black beans and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this soup is rich in flavor and pairs well with the laid-back tunes of Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffett. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an extra touch of freshness.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) dried black beans
- 2 cups (320 g) chopped onion
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped green bell pepper
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (700 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (28 ml) cider vinegar
PREPARATION:
- Soak the black beans overnight in water to cover. Drain.
- In a slow cooker, combine the soaked black beans and all the remaining ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
YIELD:
- 8 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 183 g water; 100 calories (5% from fat, 22% from protein, 73% from carb)
- 6 g protein; 1 g total fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g monounsaturated fat; 0 g polyunsaturated fat
- 19 g carb; 6 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 101 mg phosphorus; 44 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 7 mg sodium
- 318 mg potassium; 105 IU vitamin A; 0 mg ATE vitamin E; 18 mg vitamin C; 0 mg cholesterol
TIP: Garnish the Black Bean Soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added creaminess and freshness. This enhances the flavors and adds a pop of color to the dish.
Black Bean Soup is a delightful and flavorful soup that brings a taste of the islands to your dinner table. Packed with protein, fiber, and an array of aromatic herbs and spices, this soup is a nutritious and satisfying option that will transport your taste buds to a Caribbean paradise.
The heart of this soup is the black beans, which are soaked overnight to ensure they cook to perfection. Black beans are a nutrient-dense legume, rich in protein, fiber, folate, and several minerals. They provide a creamy and velvety texture to the soup, making it both filling and comforting.
The combination of onion, green bell pepper, and garlic adds depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile. These aromatic vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals while enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
A blend of herbs and spices, including cumin, oregano, thyme, and black pepper, infuses the soup with vibrant flavors reminiscent of Caribbean cuisine. These spices lend a warm and earthy quality to the dish, elevating the taste to a whole new level.
The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together while gently cooking the black beans to tender perfection. The long cooking time allows the beans to absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices, resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying soup.
To add a tangy twist, cider vinegar is included in the recipe. This ingredient brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the beans and spices, creating a harmonious and well-rounded taste.
To serve, garnish the Black Bean Soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. The cool creaminess of the sour cream complements the robust flavors of the soup, while the cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant element.
This Black Bean Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. With its high protein and fiber content, it makes for a satisfying and healthy meal. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting winter dish or a summertime delight, this soup is sure to please your taste buds and transport you to a tropical island paradise. So put on some Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffett, grab a bowl of Black Bean Soup, and let the flavors take you away.
