Eli Slocomb'S Smoky Black Bean Soup
A hearty, smoky black bean soup with bacon, vegetables, and Cajun spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for those who enjoy bold flavors and easy one-pot dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bacon, chopped onions, and sliced celery in a large pan for 12 minutes or until the bacon is done.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and 1 1/4 cups water.
- Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Remove 2 cups of the solid food and puree the remaining dish until smooth.
- Return all ingredients to the stove and season with pepper and Cajun seasoning.
- Add more broth if necessary to reach desired consistency.
- Serve the soup with salad and rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or using chipotle in adobo sauce. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and smoked olive oil. Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or rolls for dipping, and a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad Deluxe for a delightful lunch spread. For added texture, top with sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eli Slocomb'S Smoky Black Bean Soup contains roughly 439 calories, with 21g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 23g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain the smoky profile.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is thinner than desired, you can thicken it by pureeing more of the black beans or adding a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the soup). Another option is to let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover smoky black bean soup can be repurposed in various ways. Use it as a filling for burritos or tacos, or serve it over rice for a quick meal. It’s also delicious as a base for a casserole, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.
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).