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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. {{ingredient_image_1}} - 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. - 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. - 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! 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. 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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 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 family!

Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Soup

A flavorful and spicy black bean soup with chipotle peppers, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

Adjust the number of chipotle peppers for desired spice level.
Keyword black beans, soup, spicy, vegetarian