Black bean soup is a warm, hearty dish that’s not just comforting but also packed with flavor. The best part? You can easily make a delicious, nutritious black bean soup using canned beans, making it a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe is ideal if you’re looking for something that’s full of protein, fiber, and flavor, without requiring hours of preparation or exotic ingredients.
Black beans are versatile, nutrient-dense, and can serve as the base of many different meals. By using canned beans, you cut down on cooking time, without sacrificing taste or nutrition. So, whether you’re a beginner cook or someone looking to streamline your meal prep, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your repertoire.
Let’s dive into the specifics of how to make the best black bean soup using canned beans.
Black Bean Soup Canned Recipe
This simple yet satisfying black bean soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with comforting flavors. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to gather before diving into the cooking process:
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2 Cans Of Black Beans (15 Oz Each)
Canned beans are a fantastic shortcut, saving you time without losing out on flavor or nutritional value. Make sure to rinse and drain them to remove the excess sodium.
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1 Medium Onion, Diced
Onion forms the aromatic base of this soup, adding sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked.
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3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
Fresh garlic is a must for creating a deep, savory flavor. It pairs beautifully with the beans and spices.
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1 Large Carrot, Diced
Carrots bring a subtle sweetness and a lovely texture contrast to the smoothness of the beans.
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1 Bell Pepper, Diced
A bell pepper adds color, crunch, and a mild, fresh taste that complements the beans perfectly.
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4 Cups Vegetable Broth
This forms the liquid base of the soup. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer a richer taste.
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1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
A signature spice in black bean soup, cumin adds warmth and earthiness that complements the beans wonderfully.
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½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika gives the soup a subtle smoky flavor, which takes the dish to another level.
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1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
For a bit of heat and a deep, rich flavor, chili powder is essential.
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1 Bay Leaf
This helps elevate the overall flavor profile with its herby essence, though it should be removed before serving.
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Salt And Pepper To Taste
A simple seasoning duo to bring everything together. Adjust to your preference!
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Fresh Cilantro (optional For Garnish)
A fresh sprinkle of cilantro at the end gives the soup a refreshing note.
Cooking Instructions
Making this black bean soup is an absolute breeze! Here’s how to cook it step-by-step:
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Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by dicing the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and measure out all your spices and broth. This prep work will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
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Sauté The Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add The Garlic And Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and bay leaf. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
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Add The Beans And Broth
Pour in the two cans of black beans (after draining and rinsing them), followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine.
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Simmer The Soup
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you like a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup (or blend it in batches), leaving some chunks for texture.
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Season And Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients in this black bean soup will enhance your appreciation for how they come together to create something truly delicious:
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Black Beans
These beans are high in fiber and protein, making them perfect for a hearty, filling soup. They’re also packed with antioxidants and iron, contributing to a nutritious meal. The canned variety is super convenient, saving time without compromising on the health benefits.
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Vegetables (Onion, Carrot, Bell Pepper)
These ingredients are not just for flavor; they add texture, color, and essential vitamins. Onions provide natural sweetness, while carrots offer a crunchy bite, and bell peppers give a burst of freshness.
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Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder)
These spices are the backbone of the soup’s flavor. Cumin brings warmth and a mild smokiness, paprika adds depth, and chili powder introduces a bit of heat. Together, they create a balanced, layered flavor profile.
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Vegetable Broth
Broth adds a savory foundation without being overpowering. It can be easily swapped with chicken broth for a richer taste or even water if you’re looking for something lighter.
Expert Tips
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Rinse The Beans
Always rinse canned beans thoroughly. This removes any excess salt and preservatives, leaving you with a cleaner, more flavorful base.
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Use An Immersion Blender For Texture
For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. This way, you get a creamy texture while still preserving some bean chunks for heartiness.
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Customize The Heat
If you like spice, feel free to kick up the heat with extra chili powder, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce. Adjust it to your taste!
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Make It Creamy
Add a swirl of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even coconut milk for a creamy finish. This addition gives the soup richness and balances out any heat from the spices.
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Leftovers Taste Better
Like most soups, black bean soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
Recipe Variations
While the classic black bean soup recipe is great on its own, there are plenty of ways to switch things up:
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Spicy Black Bean Soup
Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Smoky Bacon Black Bean Soup
Crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the soup for a smoky, savory twist.
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Vegan Version
Simply swap the vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly broth and omit any dairy-based toppings like sour cream or cheese. Instead, top it with avocado slices or vegan sour cream for richness.
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Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup
Add some diced sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more robust soup. The creamy texture of sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the black beans.
Final Words
Black bean soup made from canned beans is a true kitchen staple. It’s not just quick and easy to prepare, but also customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a bowl of something hearty, this soup delivers. With the right balance of spices, vegetables, and beans, you’ll have a deliciously satisfying meal in no time.