Black Bean Soup
This hearty black bean soup is a comforting blend of flavors, featuring tender black beans, aromatic spices, and a hint of smokiness from the ham bone. Perfect for chilly evenings, it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream and fresh green onions for a satisfying meal that caters to both families and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 4 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 lb. black beans ⓘ
- 3 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. dry oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne ⓘ
- 1/2 medium red or green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- sour cream
- 1 1/2 c. chopped yellow onions ⓘ
- 1 meaty ham bone ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fresh ground pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped, fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/8 c. dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 3 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- green onions, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the black beans in water overnight.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven.
- Add onions and garlic and cook over low heat until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the beans.
- Add the beans to the Dutch oven.
- Add the ham bone and the water.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, cayenne and 1 tablespoon of parsley.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook, uncovered, until beans are very tender and the liquid is reduced by about 3/4, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Transfer ham bone to plate and cool slightly.
- Pull off any remaining meat with your fingers and shred.
- Return meat to pot.
- Stir in remaining parsley, red pepper, cumin, sherry, brown sugar and lemon juice. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Taste and correct seasoning.
- Serve very hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham bone with smoked paprika for flavor. Adjust the cayenne according to your heat preference. Fresh herbs like cilantro can replace parsley, and for a tangy twist, consider adding lime juice instead of lemon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the black bean soup very hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with Breakfast Tortillas or can be enjoyed alongside crusty bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of Kansas Style Enchiladas or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will deepen over time. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean Soup contains roughly 1642 calories, with 47g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (360% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (142% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1609mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned black beans for a quicker preparation. Simply rinse and drain them, and add them to the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic. Reduce the cooking time to about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and heat it through. Remember, the soup will thicken as it cools, so adjusting it while serving helps maintain the perfect texture.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing each guest to customize their spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).