Dorlyn'S Black Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful black bean soup with smoky tomatoes and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians seeking bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Choose either 1 pound of dried black beans or 4 cans of black beans.
- If using dried beans, soak them according to the package instructions and do not drain the soaking water before proceeding.
- Set the beans aside.
- Chop the carrots finely, peel and chop the onions, crush the celery stalks, and peel the garlic.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and crushed celery; cook until vegetables are softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the black beans (drained if canned or soaked dried beans with soaking water) to the pot.
- Pour in the Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies and add bay leaves.
- Crumble the bouillon cubes into the soup.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45-60 minutes if using dried beans, or 20-30 minutes if canned, until flavors meld and beans are tender.
- Remove bay leaves from the soup.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the depth of the soup. If you're short on time, using canned black beans is a great shortcut. You can also substitute fresh tomatoes for the Ro-Tel if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust the spiciness by using mild diced tomatoes instead of those with chilies for a less fiery version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty black bean soup with a dollop of sour cream or avocado for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Flautas or a side of Mexican Low-Fat Pinto Beans for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving it alongside Watermelon Fire And Ice Salsa for a delightful balance of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. The flavors can actually improve after a day, making this a great make-ahead dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dorlyn'S Black Bean Soup contains roughly 1221 calories, with 29g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (255% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and potassium (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 671mg per serving (29% 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 freeze the black bean soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stovetop, adjusting the consistency with water or broth as needed.
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).