Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup

$- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes containing green chilies - 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Slices of ripe avocado (for garnish) - Lime wedges (to serve alongside) To make Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup, you need a few key ingredients. Start with black beans. They are rich in protein and fiber. Use canned black beans for ease, but rinsing them is crucial. Rinsing removes extra sodium and improves flavor. Next, grab a medium onion and three cloves of garlic. These add depth to the soup. Chop them finely to release their natural flavors. You will also need diced tomatoes with green chilies. This will add a nice kick to your soup. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the star of this recipe. They bring a smoky heat. Adjust the number of peppers based on your spice preference. For the base, use four cups of vegetable broth. This keeps the soup hearty and healthy. Don’t forget the spices: smoked paprika and ground cumin. These enhance the soup’s flavor profile. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. For garnishes, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges add freshness and brightness. These little touches make your soup look and taste even better. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a warm and comforting dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about five minutes. The onion should become soft and see-through. This step builds a great base for flavor. Next, add the minced garlic. Continue to sauté for one to two minutes. You want the garlic to turn golden and smell amazing, but be careful not to burn it. Now, it's time to mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies. These add a sweet and spicy kick. Toss in the chopped chipotle peppers along with the smoked paprika and ground cumin. Cook this mixture for three minutes. This allows the spices to blend well. You will start to notice the rich aroma filling your kitchen. After the flavors are combined, pour in the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth. Turn up the heat to bring the mix to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This lets all the flavors deepen. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup right in the pot. Leave some beans whole for a nice texture. If you prefer, you can blend half the soup in a blender. After blending, return it to the pot. Now, season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another five minutes to heat everything through. To boost the flavor of your smoky chipotle black bean soup, start by adjusting the spice levels. If you love heat, add more chipotle peppers. For a milder taste, reduce the amount. Taste your soup often. This helps you find the right balance. You can also add a little lime juice. This brightens the flavors and adds freshness. If the soup is too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. This cools the heat and adds creaminess. For a creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. This keeps some beans whole, adding texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip the blending. Just let the beans shine with their natural shape. If you use a traditional blender, blend half the soup until smooth. Then return it to the pot. This method gives a nice mix of creaminess and chunkiness. You can also add a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess. It adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the spices. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, start with just one chipotle pepper and taste before adding more. You can always add more spice, but it's hard to reduce it! Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers, but remember to remove it before serving. Texture Variation: If you enjoy varied textures, try adding some corn or diced bell peppers to the soup for a delightful crunch. Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for an easy, flavorful meal later in the week. {{image_4}} You can switch beans for variety. Try pinto beans or kidney beans. Each will bring a new taste to your soup. You can also use homemade broth. This can add a fresh touch. Adding extra veggies boosts nutrition. Consider bell peppers, carrots, or corn. These colorful vegetables add texture and taste. You can even toss in some spinach for a healthy twist. They cook well and blend easily with the soup. If you prefer less spice, use fewer chipotle peppers. One pepper can still give you great flavor without the heat. You can also skip the smoked paprika if you want a milder taste. For extra flavor, try different peppers, like jalapeños or poblano. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme. These can give your soup a fresh and fragrant note. Just remember to adjust the amount to fit your taste. To keep your Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup fresh, cool it down first. Store it in airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Fill the container, but leave some space at the top. This helps prevent spills as the soup expands when frozen. You can keep the soup in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to enjoy this soup later, refrigerate it as soon as it cools down. Freezing this soup is a great way to save it for later. To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir it gently to ensure even heating. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish. If the soup seems thick, add a little vegetable broth or water. This will help restore the creamy texture. Enjoy your flavorful, smoky soup anytime! To make the soup vegan, simply replace the vegetable broth with a homemade or store-bought vegan broth. All other ingredients, like black beans, onion, garlic, and tomatoes, are already vegan. This way, you keep the rich flavors without using any animal products. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan. This step adds depth to the flavor. After that, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Blend as you like for texture. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for a light touch. Slices of avocado or a dollop of vegan sour cream make great toppings too. Enjoy with lime wedges for extra zing! You learned how to make Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup using simple steps and ingredients. From sautéing onions and garlic to simmering and blending, each step builds flavor. I also shared tips for adjusting spice levels and consistency, as well as fun variations to try. Lastly, I covered storage options to keep leftovers fresh. This recipe offers warmth and comfort, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy the soup, and feel free to get creative with your own twists!$

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup

A flavorful and spicy black bean soup with chipotle peppers, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes containing green chilies
1-2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
for garnish slices of ripe avocado
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and sauté for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pot. Continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is golden and fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, the chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook this mixture for an additional 3 minutes to allow the spices and flavors to blend beautifully.
Pour in the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
For a creamy consistency, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot. Leave some beans whole to maintain texture. Alternatively, you can transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Season your soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
Serve the soup hot, garnished generously with fresh cilantro, adorned with a few slices of creamy avocado, and accompanied by lime wedges on the side for added zest.

Notes

For an inviting display, serve the soup in deep bowls, artistically drizzle a little olive oil on top, and arrange the garnishes in an appealing manner. Add a vibrant lime wedge to the edge of each bowl for a pop of color.

Keyword black beans, chipotle, soup, vegetarian