Description
A comforting and nourishing smoky black bean soup packed with protein and fiber, topped with a refreshing lime crema.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups canned black beans (about 2 cans, 15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (32 fl oz), preferably low sodium
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons), plus a splash for the soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (4 fl oz) for lime crema topping
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the black beans. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Mince the chipotle peppers carefully.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and chipotle peppers, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in cumin and smoked paprika. Stir to toast the spices lightly, releasing their aroma.
- Pour in the black beans and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth but still a bit chunky for texture.
- Stir in a splash of fresh lime juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream or Mexican crema with lime juice and zest. Stir until smooth and tangy. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with lime crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
This soup can be served hot on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping. For added crunch, serve with tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg