Easy Black Bean Soup
This Easy Black Bean Soup is going to become your new go-to when you want something warm and comforting.
Black bean soup is one of the first things I learned to make well. It’s one of the first things that people starting asking me for the recipe for, and I loved it — the soup and the compliments! Hmmm… maybe this humble soup is one of the reasons I realized I was meant to be a cook…
Recently, a friend of mine pulled out my old black bean soup recipe that I had given her many, many years ago. I was shocked that she still had it and that she still makes it. I remember loving this recipe too. But when I looked at it, I was reminded that this particular black bean soup recipe contains rice. The rice helped thicken the soup and made the texture pretty darn awesome.
It’s not that I don’t ever eat rice, but I really wanted to create an easy black bean soup recipe that didn’t require any grains at all, and was just as hearty and delicious as this old memory.
This Easy Black Bean Soup really is perfect. And it’s grain-free and dairy-free, but it’s still really creamy and delicious. And, I think it’s so awesome that you can find organic black beans at amazingly cheap prices now… so aside from all of the goodness in this soup, it’s a really budget-friendly meal too.
I love soup, and not just for cozy family dinners. I love to serve soup when I entertain, but I don’t use it in the traditional way. I learned long ago not to serve too many appetizers when I have people over for dinner. While it was fun, I’d end up with way too many leftovers because everyone filled up on the apps. So, now what I do is I make a delicious pot of soup and keep it on the stove. I place the bowls and the toppings on the counter, and anyone who is hungry before I’m ready to serve dinner can help themselves. It’s fun, it’s cozy, and it works.
I love to top this soup with lots of different things. Sometimes I’ll use sourdough croutons, or croutons made from grain-free bagels. Sometimes I’ll use cheese (often it’s dairy-free), scallions, or avocado. And, I’ll bet bacon or sausage would be awesome too. In short, it’s not rocket science, it’s only soup. Do it your way and have fun.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that in Chinese medicine, black foods are considered longevity foods… so there’s that.
If you’re looking for another great black bean recipe, try my Black Bean And Pork Chili.
If you eat the right foods and herbs for your unique body and circumstances, you can heal yourself. All you need is the correct information. And I’m here to give it to you. If you want to learn more about healing whatever your specific concerns are, I’d love to help you create a healthy lifestyle plan specifically for your unique needs, so sign up for a free phone consultation and we can chat about it.
Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Easy Black Bean Soup:
In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.
Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!
Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.
Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….
Easy Black Bean Soup | Print |
- 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 med onion, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 15-oz cans black beans, undrained
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or can substitute bone broth)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp chipotle chili powder, or to taste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 Tbs unsweetened chocolate chips or raw cacao powder
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- optional toppings: sliced scallions, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, croutons, etc.
- Heat oil in a large soup pot over med heat.
- Add garlic and onion. Season with salt and sauce, stirring, 5 mins.
- Add beans, broth, spices, and chocolate.
- Simmer, uncovered, 25 mins, stirring occasionally.
- Using a stick blender, or a regular blender, blend half of the soup and then stir it back into the pot.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar. Adjust seasonings and ladle into bowls.
- Top with your choice of toppings and enjoy.