Doug Cooper'S Polynesian Black Bean Soup
Doug Cooper's Polynesian Black Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful blend of black turtle beans, tender meat, and fresh tomatoes. The combination of beef and chicken stocks enriches the soup, while the garnish of chopped parsley adds a fresh finish. Perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil beans in beef and chicken stocks until tender.
- Meanwhile, sauté meat, onion, and garlic.
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato juice after the meat is cooked. Reduce this mixture to a paste.
- When beans are tender, remove 2/3 of the beans and puree them.
- Combine pureed meat and bean puree, then put back into the pot with the remaining beans.
- Let simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the soup. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with additional beans or vegetables. You can also use canned beans for a quicker cooking time, but be sure to rinse and drain them well. Adjust the consistency by adding more stock or tomato juice as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with Central American Rice for a hearty meal or with crusty bread for dipping. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Chicken Kiev or a light salad to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or stock if the soup has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doug Cooper'S Polynesian Black Bean Soup contains roughly 971 calories, with 49g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (204% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1978mg per serving (86% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, while black turtle beans are traditional, you can substitute them with pinto or kidney beans. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the beans are tender.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during the sautéing step. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to spice up their bowl.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
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).