Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups black beans (soaked overnight) or 2 cans (rinsed)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or cotija)
- Chopped cilantro
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add spices: Stir in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute to enhance flavors.
- Add beans and broth: Pour in black beans, vegetable broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes (if using dried beans, cook for 60-75 minutes until tender).
- Blend (optional): For a creamy texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Season & serve: Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve with toppings.
Slow Cooker Method
- Add all ingredients except lime juice to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in lime juice before serving.
Instant Pot Method
- Use the Sauté function to cook onion, garlic, and spices for 3-5 minutes.
- Add black beans, broth, and tomatoes. Seal and pressure cook on High for 30 minutes (if using dried beans) or 10 minutes (for canned beans).
- Natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then stir in lime juice.
Notes
- For a smoother soup, blend part of the beans before serving.
- For extra flavor, roast the bell peppers before adding them.
- Freezing tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (stovetop)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Latin American, Cuban, Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sodium: 480mg (varies based on broth used)
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 12g