Black Bean Soup

Warm up your soul and tickle your taste buds with a hearty bowl of Black Bean Soup. This recipe brings together the earthy richness of black beans, the aromatic blend of peppers and onions, and a touch of spice for a truly satisfying dish. Plus, we’ll show you a clever way to repurpose your leftover ingredients. Let’s dive into this nourishing and flavorful creation.

Yields: 6 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons cumin, minced
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups Vegetable Broth
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld and infuse.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 4-quart slow cooker. Now, add the star of the show – the black beans. These protein-packed legumes provide richness and heartiness to your soup. To enhance their flavor, sprinkle in the minced cumin, chipotle powder, and salt. Finally, pour in the Vegetable Broth, which will transform this mixture into a delightful soup.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. During this time, the ingredients will blend and meld, creating a soup that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
4. Blend for Creaminess: After the slow cooking process, allow the soup to cool slightly. Then, pour half of it into a blender and process until smooth. This blending step adds creaminess and a silky texture to your Black Bean Soup. Pour the blended soup back into the pot.
5. Finish with Cilantro: To add a burst of freshness and color, stir in the chopped cilantro. It’s the finishing touch that elevates your soup to the next level of flavor and aroma.

BONUS TIP:

• Don’t forget that you can use the leftover green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion from this recipe to make Fajita Chili. It’s a smart and sustainable way to reduce food waste and create another delicious dish.

Now, ladle this warm and comforting Black Bean Soup into bowls, and savor the delicious blend of flavors and textures. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or anytime you crave a nourishing bowl of goodness.