Craving a hearty soup that's both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than black bean soup! With just 220 calories per serving, this soup is a satisfying meal that won't weigh you down.

Not only is black bean soup low in calories, it's also a great source of fiber, iron, and protein. This soup is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meat-free option that's still filling and satisfying.

In this article, we'll share our favorite tips for making the perfect black bean soup, as well as provide you with a quick and easy recipe to get you started.

Healthy Benefits of Black Bean Soup

There are plenty of reasons to love black bean soup, but one of the biggest is its health benefits. Not only is this soup low in calories, it's also high in fiber, iron, and protein. Fiber is essential for maintaining good digestive health, while iron is important for healthy blood flow. Protein helps to build and repair tissues in the body, making it an important part of any diet. Additionally, black beans are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Ingredients for Delicious Black Bean Soup

To make a delicious pot of black bean soup, you'll need a few basic ingredients. The main ingredient, of course, is black beans, which you can find canned or dried at most grocery stores. In addition to black beans, you'll need some broth (either vegetable or chicken), diced onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder. You can also add some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Overall, the key to a delicious black bean soup is using high-quality ingredients and letting the soup simmer slowly on the stove to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips to Make Your Black Bean Soup Tastier

If you want to take your black bean soup to the next level, try some of these easy tips:

• Add some diced bacon or ham for a smoky flavor
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth of flavor
• Top with some diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy texture

Get creative with your soup and experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite flavor combination.

How to Store Black Bean Soup Properly

If you have leftover black bean soup, it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful. First, allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage, up to 3 months. To reheat the soup, simply warm it up in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick.

Quick and Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add some oil. Once hot, add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened.
2. Add a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) and 2 cups of broth. Stir to combine.
3. Add a can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and puree in batches.
5. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve hot, topped with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any other desired toppings.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options for Black Bean Soup

Looking for vegan or gluten-free options for black bean soup? No problem! To make the soup vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit any meat-based toppings. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free broth and check the labels on any other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. With a few simple substitutions, anyone can enjoy a delicious bowl of black bean soup.

Nutritional Information of Black Bean Soup

Wondering about the nutritional information for black bean soup? Here are the approximate values per serving:

• calories: 220
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

Keep in mind that the nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the recipe you follow.

Variations of Black Bean Soup

While the recipe we've shared is a classic version of black bean soup, there are plenty of variations you can try to mix things up. Some popular variations include adding in some corn, using different types of beans (such as kidney beans or pinto beans), or using different spices or herbs (such as oregano or thyme). You can also experiment with different toppings like shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, or crumbled tortilla chips. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative!

Traditional Black Bean Soup Recipe

If you're looking for a more traditional version of black bean soup, try this recipe:

1. Soak 1 pound of dried black beans overnight in a large pot of water.
2. Drain the beans and rinse well. Add them back to the pot with 8 cups of water and a bay leaf.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. In a separate pan, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper until softened.
5. Add the cooked vegetables to the pot with the beans, along with a can of diced tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of cumin. Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf and puree the soup using an immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe takes a little longer to prepare than the quick and easy version, but the extra time and effort is worth it for the rich, deep flavor of the soup.

Best Sides to Serve with Black Bean Soup

Looking for something to serve alongside your black bean soup? Here are a few tasty options:

• Garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette
• Cornbread or corn muffins
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Quesadillas with shredded cheese and diced jalapeños

Whatever you choose to serve, make sure it complements the flavor of the soup and adds some variety to your meal.