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Are you ready to spice up your meal routine? This Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Soup is rich, flavorful, and super easy to make! Packed with black beans, fresh veggies, and smoky chipotle peppers, it delivers a warm kick that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your soup is a success. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: This soup packs a punch with its combination of smoky chipotle and earthy black beans, creating a robust flavor profile that’s satisfying and warming.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich black beans, this soup is not only delicious but also a wholesome option for any meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and hearty meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers, and feel free to top it with your favorite garnishes like avocado and cilantro.
Ingredients
To make a tasty Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Soup, gather these key ingredients:
– 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice level)
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Sliced avocado, for serving
– Lime wedges, for serving
These ingredients combine to create a rich and flavorful soup. The black beans provide protein and fiber. The fresh veggies add crunch and color. Chipotle peppers bring the heat, while spices like cumin and smoked paprika deepen the taste. The broth ties it all together, making this soup both filling and satisfying.
When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for success. Each item plays a role in creating a delicious dish. Don’t skip the garnishes, either! Fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and zesty lime make every bowl pop with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Sautéing the vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear.
– Adding spices and chipotle peppers: Next, toss in the diced bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Then, stir in minced chipotle peppers, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 1 more minute to bloom those spices.
– Blending the soup for desired texture: Once your veggies are ready, add the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth. Bring it all to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Leave some chunks for texture.
Cooking Process
– Combining ingredients and simmering: After blending, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want more heat, add extra minced chipotle peppers. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.
– Adjusting spice levels: Taste your soup. If it needs more spice, add more chipotle peppers. Always taste as you go. This helps you find the perfect balance for your palate.
Serving Suggestions
– How to garnish: Serve the soup hot. Top it with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado. A squeeze of lime adds brightness.
– Best accompaniments: This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch. Enjoy the flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
Adjusting the spice level
You can control the heat in your soup. Start with one chipotle pepper. Taste the soup after blending. If you want more heat, add another pepper. This way, you can find your perfect spice level.
Substitutions for ingredients
You can swap out some ingredients easily. Use canned kidney beans instead of black beans. If you don’t have bell peppers, use zucchini or corn. You can also use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a different taste.
Cooking Techniques
Using an immersion blender vs. regular blender
I love using an immersion blender for this soup. It’s easy and quick. You can blend right in the pot. If you use a regular blender, blend only half the soup. Return it to the pot to keep some texture.
Sauté times for optimal flavor
Sauté your veggies for the right amount of time. Cook the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for 5-7 minutes. This softens them and brings out their flavors. Add the bell pepper for just 3 more minutes. This makes sure every bite is full of taste.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Complimentary side dishes
Serve your soup with warm bread. A crusty baguette or cornbread works well. You can also add a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette pairs nicely.
Drinks that pair well with the soup
I recommend a light beer or a crisp white wine. Sparkling water with lime is also refreshing. These drinks balance the soup’s spice and enhance its flavors.
Pro Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, start with one chipotle pepper and taste before adding more to avoid overpowering heat.
- Enhance Flavor: For deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice to the soup while simmering and adjust to taste before serving.
- Texture Variation: Blend the soup to your desired consistency; leave some chunks for a heartier texture or make it completely smooth for a creamy finish.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutes
You can easily make this soup vegan. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Use tofu instead of chicken for a protein boost. Tofu adds a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. If you prefer beans, add more black beans or even pinto beans.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to kick up the flavor? Add more veggies! Try corn, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition. You can also use spices like cayenne pepper for extra heat. For a creamy version, blend in some coconut milk or sour cream. This adds richness and balances the spice.
Serving Variations
You can serve this soup in many ways. It works great as a main dish or an appetizer. If you’re feeling creative, serve it in bread bowls. This makes it fun and tasty. You can also top it with cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for added flavor.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
After you make this spicy chipotle black bean soup, let it cool. Use a large pot or bowl to cool it down quickly. Once it reaches room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Seal it well to keep out air and moisture.
For freezing, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup expands when frozen. Label each container with the date to track freshness.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your soup will last about 3 to 5 days. To enjoy it longer, freeze it, where it can last up to 3 months. When reheating leftover soup, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave, but stir halfway through cooking.
Creative Uses for Leftover Soup
You can transform leftover soup into a dip. Just mix it with cream cheese or sour cream and serve with chips. It’s a great party snack!
You can also add the soup to other recipes. Use it in burritos, tacos, or on top of rice. It adds a spicy kick and extra flavor to any dish. Don’t let any leftovers go to waste!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day.
What can I use if I don’t have chipotle peppers?
If you lack chipotle peppers, try smoked paprika. It gives a nice smoky flavor. You can also use regular chili powder for some heat.
How to make this soup gluten-free?
This soup is already gluten-free since it uses vegetable broth and no wheat products. Just check your broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Caloric content per serving
This soup has about 250 calories per serving. It’s filling and packed with nutrients.
Breakdown of macronutrients
– Protein: 12 grams
– Carbohydrates: 40 grams
– Fats: 5 grams
Tips for Serving to Different Dietary Needs
Vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-friendly options
This soup is vegan and vegetarian. It contains no animal products. For allergen-friendly options, ensure you use certified gluten-free broth. You can add toppings like avocado or cilantro for extra flavor. Enjoy this soup with a side salad or corn tortillas for a complete meal.
This blog covered how to make a tasty soup with black beans and fresh veggies. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve it. We explored tips for spice levels and ingredient swaps. You now have ideas for serving it in creative ways, plus storage tips.
In the end, this soup is flexible and easy to make. Try new flavors or techniques. Enjoy sharing this dish with your friends and famil
Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Soup
A flavorful and spicy black bean soup with chipotle peppers, perfect for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper red or yellow, diced
- 1-2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving sliced avocado
- for serving lime wedges
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Add the bell pepper and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced chipotle peppers, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Sauté for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.
Add the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture, or you can blend half of it in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If a spicier flavor is desired, add more minced chipotle peppers at this stage.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, and lime wedges on the side for an additional burst of flavor.
Adjust the number of chipotle peppers for desired spice level.
Keyword black beans, soup, spicy, vegetarian
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