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Quick & Hearty Vegan Black Bean Soup with Toppings Bar

A close-up of rich, dark black bean soup in a white bowl, garnished with fresh avocado slices and cilantro.
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Make this easy black bean soup for a satisfying, protein-rich weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers comfort food flavor quickly using pantry staples.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy black bean soup)
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
  • For Toppings: Avocado slices, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, lime wedges, vegan sour cream or Greek yogurt (for non-vegan option)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This creates a hearty black bean soup base.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup until creamy, or transfer half the soup to a standard blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This step makes the soup creamy.
  6. Stir in the salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve your simple black bean soup hot. Set up a toppings bar with avocado, cilantro, red onion, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their bowl.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for an extra 5 minutes before blending.
  • If you prefer a Cuban black bean soup flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander with the other spices.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian black bean soup and vegan black bean soup. For a non-vegan version, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/easy-black-bean-soup-recipe-quick-hearty/