Name: Black Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion diced; 2 celery ribs diced; 1 medium carrot diced; 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste; freshly ground black pepper; 3 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans including their liquid; 1\u20132 chipotle peppers in adobo chopped, plus 1\u20132 tablespoons adobo sauce, to taste; 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; avocado, cilantro, sour cream, pickled onion, serrano, or pepitas optional, for serving

01

Overview

Prep15 min

Cook45 min

Total60 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 medium yellow oniondiced2 celery ribsdiced1 medium carrotdiced1 teaspoon sea saltplus more to taste freshly ground black pepper3 garlic clovesminced1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon ground coriander1/2 teaspoon chili powder2 (15-ounce) cans black beansincluding their liquid1\u20132 chipotle peppers in adobochopped, plus 1\u20132 tablespoons adobo sauce, to taste1 1/2 cups vegetable broth1 tablespoon fresh lime juice avocado, cilantro, sour cream, pickled onion, serrano, or pepitasoptional, for serving

03

Equipment

Large pot
Blender

04

Method

01

Soften the vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, and chili powder and stir for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

02

Simmer the soup

Add the black beans with their liquid, the chipotle, adobo sauce, and broth. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

03

Blend half and finish

Let the soup cool slightly, then blend about half of it until smooth and stir it back into the pot. Add the lime juice; taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chipotle. Serve hot with avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or pepitas.

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Tips

NoteThe slow start builds depth \u2014 let the onions take their time.

NoteStart with one chipotle if you\u2019re unsure about heat; you can always add, never subtract.

NoteBlending only half keeps the soup creamy without turning it into pur\u00e9e.

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Nutrition

NoteNutrition varies by ingredient brands and serving size.

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Storage

RefrigeratorRefrigerate up to 5 days.

FreezerFreeze up to 3 months.

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Frequently asked

Can I make it less spicy?+

Yes \u2014 start with one chipotle and skip the extra adobo sauce, then add more only after tasting.

Can I use cooked dried beans?+

Yes \u2014 about 3 cups of cooked beans, with enough of their cooking liquid or broth to cover.

Do I have to blend it?+

No \u2014 blending half is just for creaminess; skip it for a chunkier bowl.

Black Bean Soup

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment