Marie'S Black Bean Soup
A hearty black bean soup with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and rich flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians if bacon is omitted.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the black beans overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans and boil them in a quart of hot water until tender.
- Fry chopped onion, garlic, chopped green pepper, and bacon until fragrant.
- Add the fried mixture to the cooked beans.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, but do not salt until the beans are tender.
- Let the soup simmer for 1 hour until flavors meld and beans are fully cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper instead of bacon. You can also substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative to make the soup vegetarian-friendly. If you want a creamier texture, blend part of the soup and mix it back in. Pair with crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your black bean soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess. Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or lime wedges are excellent garnishes. This soup also pairs beautifully with Jalapeno Cake for a delightful meal. Enjoy with tortilla chips or a side of cornbread for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover black bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marie'S Black Bean Soup contains roughly 795 calories, with 31g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2011mg per serving (87% 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 to save time. Rinse and drain them, then add them to the soup after frying the vegetables. Just simmer for 20-30 minutes to blend the flavors instead of boiling for an hour.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper when frying the vegetables. You can also top the soup with sliced fresh jalapenos for an extra kick.
What can I serve with black bean soup?
This soup is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Mexican Cheese Bake or cornbread. A fresh salad or avocado toast also complements the flavors beautifully.
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).