15-Minute Black Bean Soup

When the weather cools, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup, and Coco Morante of Simply Recipes has shared a game-changing recipe for a 15-Minute Black Bean Soup. This nutritious, quick, and flavorful dish is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, yet takes only minutes to prepare. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or as an easy lunch option.

What You’ll Need

The soup yields 4 large or 6 medium servings, and you’ll require the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Main Soup:
  1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  3. 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  5. ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  6. ½ teaspoon chili powder
  7. 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans (with their liquid)
  8. 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their liquid)
  9. 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  10. ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• Optional Toppings:
  1. Sour cream or yogurt
  2. Chopped cilantro
  3. Sliced jalapeños
  4. Pickled onions
  5. Lime wedges
  6. Tortilla chips or strips

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook until bubbles form around the edges. Stir in the onions and sauté for 3 minutes, or until the onions soften.
2. Toast the Spices: Add cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the undrained black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (also undrained), and broth. Mix everything together. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt as needed, depending on the sodium content of your canned ingredients.
5. (Optional) Blend it to Your Desired Texture: For a chunkier texture, serve the soup as is. If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup.
6. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges. For added crunch, toss in tortilla chips or strips.

Tips for Storage and Make-Ahead Options

The soup tastes great fresh but also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile black bean soup pairs wonderfully with toppings reminiscent of chili or tortilla soup. Sour cream adds creaminess, while lime juice brightens the flavors. For a zesty kick, include pickled onions or spicy jalapeño slices. Make it heartier by serving alongside crusty bread or over rice.