Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook the dried beans before adding them to the soup. Use about 1 cup of dried black beans, soaked overnight and cooked until tender.

Spicy Black Bean Soup - Soup Swap Recipe

Name: Spicy Black Bean Soup - Soup Swap Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 6 cups vegetable broth; 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 lime, juiced; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, avocado

A hearty and flavorful black bean soup perfect for a soup swap party. It's packed with spices and easily customizable to your liking.

The History of Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup, a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, has a rich history dating back centuries. The black bean, native to the Americas, was a vital food source for indigenous populations. Over time, it became a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes, including the comforting and versatile black bean soup.

Soup Swaps: A Community Tradition

Soup swaps are a fun and social way to share homemade soups with friends and neighbors. Participants each make a large batch of their favorite soup and then gather to exchange portions, resulting in a diverse collection of soups to enjoy. This recipe is designed to be easily scaled for a soup swap, allowing you to prepare a large quantity with minimal effort.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of sautéing and simmering to develop the flavors of the soup. Sautéing the vegetables helps to release their natural sweetness, while simmering allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich and complex broth. The addition of spices like cumin and chili powder adds warmth and depth to the soup.

Customization Tips

Feel free to adjust the amount of spice to your liking. You can also add other vegetables, such as corn or bell peppers, or top the soup with your favorite garnishes, such as sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

40m

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Cuisine

Mexican

Course

lunch

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
6 cups vegetable broth
3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, avocado

Instructions

1.Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
2.Add Spices
Stir in cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
3.Simmer Soup
Add vegetable broth, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4.Blend (Optional)
If desired, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
5.Season and Serve
Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Nutritional Information

Calories

250

Protein

15g

Carbs

40g

Fat

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Immersion blender (optional)

Tips

For a thicker soup, remove 1-2 cups of the soup before blending and set aside. After blending the remaining soup, stir the reserved soup back in.
Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado for added flavor and texture.
This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers.

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