Description
Columbia Black Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful vegan and gluten-free soup featuring tender black beans simmered with aromatic spices, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. This comforting soup makes a perfect meal for any occasion and can be served over rice for added texture and heartiness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 onions, finely diced, plus extra to serve
- 1-2 bell peppers, finely diced
- 5 (14 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2-3 cups water
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Cooked rice to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oil and garlic: In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Sauté onions and peppers: Add the finely diced onions and bell peppers to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
- Add black beans and water: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans along with 2 to 3 cups of water, depending on your preferred soup thickness.
- Season the soup: Add salt, cumin, oregano, sugar, bay leaf, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the black bean soup hot, poured over cooked rice if desired, and garnish with extra diced onions for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding chili powder or jalapeños for a little heat.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup and then stir back into the pot.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld further.
- Leftover soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Colombian
