Picante Black Bean Soup(Makes 6 To 8 Servings)
Spicy, smoky black bean soup rich with bacon, garlic, and a kick of Pace picante sauce—perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner that satisfies both meat lovers and spice seekers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon over medium-high heat in a large saucepan until crisp, then remove to paper towels.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon drippings; sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the undrained black beans, beef broth, water, 3/4 cup Pace picante sauce, salt, and crushed oregano; bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, dollop with sour cream, and sprinkle with reserved bacon.
- Serve with extra Pace picante sauce and crackers on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for flavor and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra heat. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in before serving. Adjust the salt based on the saltiness of the bacon and broth used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and the crispy bacon. It pairs beautifully with additional Pace picante sauce for those who like it spicy. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad. This hearty soup is also great with crackers on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Black Bean Soup(Makes 6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 226 calories, with 9g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% 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 dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried black beans. You'll need to soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. Adjust the liquid in the recipe, as dried beans will require more cooking time and may absorb more broth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking. You can also use a hotter variety of picante sauce or serve with sliced fresh chilies on top for an extra kick.
Is it possible to freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
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).