Print

Smoky Black Bean Soup Recipe Easy Creamy Lime Crema Twist

smoky black bean soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A flavorful smoky black bean soup with a creamy lime crema twist that is quick, easy, and comforting. Perfect for busy nights and cozy dinners, this soup combines smoky spices with a tangy crema for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime (divided)
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Toast the spices in the oil for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add the drained black beans and 4 cups broth. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
  5. Using an immersion blender, pulse about half the soup until smooth but still a bit chunky. Alternatively, puree half the soup in a blender and stir back in.
  6. Season with salt and pepper (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper). Squeeze in juice of half a lime (about 1 tablespoon) and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt with juice from the remaining half lime, a pinch of salt, and chopped cilantro. Whisk until smooth to make the lime crema.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of lime crema. Garnish with extra cilantro or jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast spices in oil to intensify flavor. Blend only half the soup for texture. Adjust chipotle powder and jalapeño for desired heat. Use fresh lime juice for best brightness. Soup thickens as it cools; add broth or water to loosen. Soup tastes better after resting or next day. Can freeze soup (without crema) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean soup, smoky soup, lime crema, easy soup recipe, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup, quick dinner, creamy soup, chipotle powder, healthy soup

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/smoky-black-bean-soup-recipe-easy-creamy-lime-crema-twist/