Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup carrots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids & Beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Garnishes & Extras
- Fresh lime juice (to taste)
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- Avocado, sour cream, hot sauce, tortilla chips (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped carrots, sautéing until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat to prevent burning the spices.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained and rinsed black beans. Return the pot to the stove and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup until it thickens but still contains some whole beans for texture. Alternatively, transfer portions to a blender and puree, then combine back into the pot. Be careful not to over-blend.
- Final Simmer: Continue simmering the blended soup for an additional 5 minutes to enhance the flavor. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice if desired to add a hint of brightness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Optionally, serve with avocado slices, sour cream, hot sauce, and tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blending some of the soup creates a creamy texture while keeping chunks of beans for a satisfying bite.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a low sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content.
- Garnishes like avocado and sour cream add richness but are optional for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian