Mexican Style Black Bean Soup

Mexican Style Black Bean Soup is a rich, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With the combination of black beans, tomatoes, chipotle pepper, and aromatic seasonings, this soup captures the essence of Mexican flavors in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch, this black bean soup is the ideal option. It’s simple to make, filling, and incredibly satisfying, providing both comfort and warmth. Best of all, it can be prepared quickly with ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry.

This dish is also versatile—perfect for customization. You can add extra toppings, mix in more vegetables, or adjust the spice level to your liking. With black beans as the base, this soup is rich in protein and fiber, making it not only delicious but also filling and nutritious. This Mexican Style Black Bean Soup is a great option for a Meatless Monday meal or for those looking to enjoy a plant-based option that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – This soup comes together in just a few steps and can be made in under 30 minutes.
2. Flavorful – The combination of chipotle pepper, oregano, and fresh tomatoes infuses the soup with a deep, smoky flavor.
3. Healthy – Packed with protein and fiber from the black beans, this soup is a filling and nutritious option.
4. Customizable – Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
5. Vegan-Friendly – A great choice for anyone following a plant-based or vegan diet.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans (2 cups of beans)
• 2 tomatoes
• 1/2 white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 chipotle pepper
• 1.5 cups stock
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Variations

• Add Vegetables – Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it Spicy – Increase the amount of chipotle pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to bring in more heat.
• Creamy Version – For a creamier soup, blend some of the beans and stock together before returning them to the pot.
• Add Protein – For added protein, you can toss in some cooked chicken, ground turkey, or crumbled tofu.
• Garnish – Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.

Step 2

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to break down. Stir in the chipotle pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Add the can of black beans (with their liquid) to the pot, followed by the stock. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4

Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can blend it completely for a smoother texture, or leave some beans and chunks for a chunkier version.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add more chipotle pepper or hot sauce.

Step 6

Serve hot, and garnish with any toppings you desire, such as avocado slices, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches.
• For extra richness, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the entire soup, but if you like some texture, leave part of the beans unblended.
• You can use vegetable broth or chicken stock depending on your dietary preferences.
• For a heartier soup, add some cooked rice or quinoa to the soup for additional texture and substance.

How to Serve

Serve this Mexican Style Black Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with a scoop of guacamole or some fresh salsa for added flavor. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of rice, or even top it with a fried egg for extra protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Mexican Style Black Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it over the stove until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra stock or water if it thickens too much during storage. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors only get better as they sit!

2. Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried black beans. Just make sure to soak and cook them before using them in the soup.

3. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add shredded chicken, ground turkey, or beef if you’d like to make it a heartier, non-vegan version.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more chipotle pepper, or use fresh chili peppers to increase the heat. You can also add hot sauce to taste.

5. Can I use another type of bean?

Yes, you can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer.

6. How can I make this soup creamier?

You can blend a portion of the soup to create a creamy texture or add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.

7. Can I serve this soup with cheese?

Yes, shredded cheese, such as cheddar or queso fresco, makes a great topping for this soup.

8. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free stock.

9. Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add corn, bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition.

10. How long does this soup last?

This soup lasts about 4 days in the refrigerator. If frozen, it will last up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Mexican Style Black Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food with bold flavors and heartwarming ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch, this soup is sure to impress. With its smoky, spicy, and hearty elements, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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