Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe
**Introduction**
Warm up your day with the delicious Spicy Black Bean Soup. This flavor-packed soup with a hint of heat is exactly what you need to spice up your regular meal plan. This recipe is simple to make and incredibly satisfying, guaranteed to warm your soul with every spoonful.
**Why Make This Recipe**
With its wholesome ingredients and hearty flavors, a bowl of this soup can make any wintry night cozy. It’s fantastic for anyone who likes their food with a spicy kick. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that works well as a main, a side, or a starter.
**How To Make Spicy Black Bean Soup**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips
**Directions:**
Follow the steps below to prepare a delicious Spicy Black Bean Soup:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, red bell pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the black beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge.
4. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of beans for texture.
5. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, or crunchy tortilla strips. Garnish with more cilantro if desired.
**How To Serve Spicy Black Bean Soup**
Serve this heartwarming soup as a main course with a side of crusty bread for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it as a starter for a dinner party.
**How To Store Spicy Black Bean Soup**
Store soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It can also be frozen for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
**Tips To Make Spicy Black Bean Soup**
– If you love a spicier kick, add some more cayenne pepper.
– For an extra fresh twist, you could add some diced red onion as a topping.
– Plan ahead and soak dried black beans overnight. They will make your dish more flavorful than canned black beans.
**Variations**
Replace the black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans for a different flavor.
**FAQs**
*Q1. Can I add any meat to this recipe?*
Ans. Of course, for a non-vegetarian twist, feel free to add cooked, shredded chicken or even some crispy bacon.
*Q2. Can this soup be made in a crock-pot?*
Ans. Absolutely. The instructions would mostly be the same, except the cooking time would increase to about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
*Q3. Can the leftovers be frozen?*
Indeed. This soup freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop.