Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe You’ll Fall in Love With
Try this easy and delicious purple black bean soup recipe, packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors. Perfect for a healthy, comforting meal!
Ingredients
The Main Ingredients:
- Purple Black Beans – These beans are not only visually striking but also packed with protein fiber, and antioxidants. They’re the star of this soup, offering a hearty, satisfying base.
- Vegetable Broth – This provides the rich savory liquid that ties all the flavors together. Low-sodium vegetable broth works best for controlling the salt content and letting the other ingredients shine.
- Garlic 2-3 cloves – Fresh garlic brings that aromatic punch, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance.
- Onion 1 medium – A sweet and savory base, onions create the perfect foundation for the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil 2 tbsp – Used for sautéing the garlic and onion, olive oil helps release their flavors and adds a silky richness to the soup.
Spices and Seasonings:
- Ground Cumin 1 tsp – Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beans beautifully, giving the soup its cozy vibe.
- Smoked Paprika 1 tsp – This adds a smoky depth, enhancing the overall complexity of the soup.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring balance and allow the other flavors to pop. Adjust to your taste as you go.
Fresh Ingredients for a Bright, Flavorful Finish:
- Lime 1-2 wedges – A squeeze of lime at the end adds a fresh burst of citrus, balancing the richness of the soup and adding a zesty note.
- Fresh Cilantro optional – For garnish, cilantro adds a bright, herbal freshness that perfectly contrasts the depth of the beans.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Creaminess and Flavor:
- Coconut Milk 1/2 cup – Adding coconut milk gives the soup a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, perfect for balancing the savory flavors.
- Spinach 1-2 cups – Tossing in a handful of spinach not only boosts the soup's nutritional value but also adds a beautiful pop of green.
- Jalapeños optional – For those who like a little heat, a few slices of jalapeño can bring just the right kick.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds the base of your flavor profile, so don’t rush it! The aromatic blend of garlic and onion will create the perfect foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Spices
- Once your onions and garlic are sautéed, it’s time to add the ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir them in and cook for an additional minute. This step will release the oils in the spices, which will really help bring out their full flavor. You’ll start to notice a warm, inviting fragrance wafting through your kitchen—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth
- Now, add your purple black beans (make sure they’re rinsed and drained if you’re using canned beans), followed by the vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring the beans are well-coated with the aromatics and spices.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
- Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the beans will absorb all those rich, savory seasonings. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go—add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper to suit your taste.
Step 5: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. You can also transfer some of the soup to a regular blender and puree it, then return it to the pot. This step will give the soup a creamier texture while still leaving some chunky bits of beans for texture.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Once your soup has reached your desired texture, stir in the lime juice for a burst of freshness. If you like, add a handful of fresh cilantro to brighten things up. Adjust the seasoning one last time—this is your chance to make the soup perfect for your taste.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Your Purple Black Bean Soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with more cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a dollop of vegan sour cream for extra creaminess. Pair it with your favorite bread or tortilla chips for a satisfying, complete meal.