Velvety Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

Black beans have a remarkable ability to create a rich, creamy texture without the need for dairy or heavy thickeners. When simmered until tender and then pureed, they transform simple water and aromatics into a dark, satisfying soup that is both filling and nutritious.

This recipe relies on the earthiness of the beans, lifted by the sharp tang of dry mustard and a hint of chili powder. It is an exercise in minimalism, proving that you only need a few pantry staples to create a deep, flavorful meal. Because it is pureed, it makes an excellent base for a wide variety of toppings, from diced avocados to a dollop of sour cream.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 4

The Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans
• 4 cups water
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
• ¼ tsp dry mustard
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Rinse the black beans thoroughly. In a large soup pot, combine the beans, water, chopped onions, garlic, dry mustard, chili powder, and bay leaves.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 ½ hours. You want the beans to be very tender—soft enough to mash easily against the side of the pot.
3. Cool and Prep: Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Important: Remove and discard the bay leaves before the next step.
4. Puree: Transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt as needed (beans need a fair amount of salt to wake up the flavor). Reheat gently if necessary and serve hot.

Notes from the Kitchen

• Soaking: While this recipe is designed to cook from dry, soaking the beans overnight in water can reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes and help with digestion. If you soak them, drain the soaking liquid and use fresh water for the recipe.
• Texture: The consistency of black bean soup can vary. If the puree is too thick, stir in a splash of water or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Spice Level: The amount of chili powder listed here provides a subtle background warmth. If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to increase the chili powder to ½ teaspoon or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

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