Black Bean Soup(With Secret Ingredient)
A hearty and flavorful black bean soup with a hint of pumpkin and a secret ingredient that adds depth. Perfect for cozy meals, it combines smoky spices, creamy beans, and savory ham, making it suitable for both vegetarian and meat-eating guests when ham is included or omitted.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. canola oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 4 c. fat-free chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 (15 oz.) cans black beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 (30 oz.) can garlic flavored diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 lb. low-fat ham, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat canola oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until lightly brown.
- Add minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, black beans, pumpkin, diced tomatoes, and diced ham to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add extra chicken broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- Optional: Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering. You can substitute the low-fat ham with turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the black bean soup with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or cornbread on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican recipes like Chicken Nacho Dip or Deluxe Fajita Nachos for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the soup if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean Soup(With Secret Ingredient) contains roughly 1864 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 179g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (191% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2540mg per serving (110% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving and enjoy the enhanced taste.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this black bean soup is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the canned ingredients (like tomatoes and beans) do not contain any gluten additives. Always check labels if you are serving someone with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the mix. You might also consider a dash of hot sauce when serving for those who like an extra kick!
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).