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The Ultimate Easy One-Pot Spicy Black Bean Soup (Vegan & Gluten-Free Option)

A close-up of a bowl of thick, dark black bean soup garnished with diced avocado and fresh cilantro.

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Make this hearty, comforting black bean soup in one pot. It is quick to prepare, packed with smoky spice, and works perfectly for weeknight dinners. This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
  • Optional Toppings: avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and oregano to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until the spices are fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rinsed black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their liquid), vegetable broth, and bay leaf.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend about one-third of the soup directly in the pot until creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer one-third of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This step creates a hearty texture.
  6. Stir in the salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve the soup hot with your choice of toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime.

Notes

  • For a Cuban style flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander with the other spices.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for an extra 5 to 10 minutes after blending.
  • This soup is excellent for meal prep and freezes well for later use.

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