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Smoky Black Bean Soup

Rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying — a one-pot winter soup with chipotle, cumin, and lime.

Ready in 35 min
Serves 5
Smoky black bean soup in a bowl topped with avocado, lime, and fresh herbs

Kim's note

Blend half the soup and stir it back in — you get a thick, creamy base while keeping enough whole beans for texture. It's the move that takes this from good to great.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (or 1 chipotle in adobo, minced)
  • 3 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced organic tomatoes
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • Sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, to serve

How to make it

  1. 1

    Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 7 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

  3. 3

    Add the black beans, vegetable broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.

  5. 5

    Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup — about half — directly in the pot. Stir well to combine the smooth and chunky parts.

  6. 6

    Stir in the lime juice and season with salt. Ladle into bowls and top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime.

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