Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup is a hearty, protein-packed dish with bold flavors and just the right amount of heat. Made with pantry staples like canned black beans, garlic, onion, and a dash of spice, it’s an easy go-to meal for weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is filling, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. It comes together quickly using simple ingredients and can easily be customized to suit your spice tolerance. Whether you enjoy it smooth or chunky, it’s satisfying on its own or paired with toppings like avocado, lime, or crispy tortilla strips. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Yellow onion, chopped
• Carrot, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Ground cumin
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• Low-sodium vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Lime juice or sherry vinegar
• Salt and black pepper

Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, diced red onion, radish slices

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for about 8–10 minutes, until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add black beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 25–30 minutes.
4. Transfer about 2–3 cups of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot.
5. Stir the blended soup back into the pot. Add cilantro and lime juice or vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add a diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper for more heat and smoky flavor
• Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for extra richness
• Use chicken broth if not making it vegan
• Add corn, bell pepper, or cooked quinoa for extra bulk
• Top with Greek yogurt or sour cream if dairy is an option

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they must be soaked and cooked beforehand. Use about 1½ cups cooked beans for every 15-ounce can.

Is this soup spicy?

It can be! Adjust the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce or jalapeños to suit your taste.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Is it okay to fully blend the soup?

Definitely. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend all the soup instead of just part of it.

What can I serve with black bean soup?

Cornbread, rice, a simple salad, or quesadillas make great sides.

Can I use an Instant Pot?

Yes. Sauté the aromatics using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally both, as long as you don’t add non-vegan toppings like cheese or sour cream.

How do I thicken the soup?

Blending part of the soup thickens it naturally. You can also mash some of the beans.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Can I use other beans instead of black beans?

Sure. Pinto beans or kidney beans work well, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Spicy Black Bean Soup is a flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying dish you’ll want to make on repeat. With minimal prep, flexible ingredients, and loads of flavor, it’s a perfect staple for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Dress it up with toppings or keep it simple—either way, it’s a winner.

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