Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed (or about 3 cups cooked black beans)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro and sour cream (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Beans and Broth: Add the black beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the soup to thicken.
5. Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture. Or, blend half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
6. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

20 Popular Questions & Answers

1. Q: Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
   • A: Yes! Soak 1 cup of dried black beans overnight, then cook until tender before adding them to the soup.
2. Q: How spicy is this soup?
   • A: The chipotle peppers add a smoky heat, but you can adjust the spice by adding fewer or more peppers.
3. Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
   • A: Yes, it’s naturally vegan if you use vegetable broth and omit the sour cream topping.
4. Q: Can I freeze the soup?
   • A: Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat.
5. Q: Can I use other types of beans?
   • A: Yes, you can substitute pinto or kidney beans, but black beans give the best texture and flavor.
6. Q: Can I make it less smoky?
   • A: Simply reduce the amount of smoked paprika and chipotle peppers.
7. Q: How long will it keep in the fridge?
   • A: It should last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
8. Q: Can I add meat to this soup?
   • A: Sure! Cooked chorizo or shredded chicken would make a great addition.
9. Q: What other garnishes go well with it?
   • A: Try avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of tortilla strips for added texture.
10. Q: How do I make it creamier?
    • A: Blend more of the soup, add a splash of coconut milk, or stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt.
11. Q: Is it gluten-free?
    • A: Yes, as long as the broth is gluten-free, the soup is naturally gluten-free.
12. Q: Can I add corn to this soup?
    • A: Yes, adding corn gives it a slight sweetness and extra texture.
13. Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
    • A: Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
14. Q: What can I serve with it?
    • A: Cornbread, crusty bread, or a side salad pair well.
15. Q: Can I substitute the chipotle peppers?
    • A: Smoked paprika alone can work, or use a pinch of cayenne for heat without the smokiness.
16. Q: How can I thicken the soup?
    • A: Use an immersion blender or mash some of the beans with a spoon to thicken the consistency.
17. Q: Can I add tomatoes?
    • A: Yes, adding a can of diced tomatoes can add acidity and extra flavor.
18. Q: What other spices work well with this?
    • A: Try adding oregano or a hint of ground coriander for extra depth.
19. Q: Can I add rice to this soup?
    • A: Yes! Adding cooked rice can make the soup even heartier.
20. Q: Is there a low-sodium version?
    • A: Use low-sodium broth and rinse the canned beans well.

30 Helpful Tips to Make It Even More Delightful

1. Use fire-roasted tomatoes if adding tomatoes—they add extra smoky flavor.
2. Add a diced jalapeño for more heat if you like it spicy.
3. Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions just before serving.
4. Add a pinch of sugar if the soup is too acidic.
5. Try adding smoked sausage for a heartier option.
6. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
7. Cook bacon at the start and add crumbles as a topping.
8. Soak and cook dried beans if you prefer more control over the texture.
9. Use coconut milk to add a creamy texture with a hint of sweetness.
10. Add roasted red peppers for a sweet-smoky element.
11. Blend it until creamy for a smoother soup.
12. Add a drizzle of olive oil for richness.
13. Sprinkle cumin seeds for a stronger, earthy flavor.
14. Add finely chopped greens for a nutritional boost.
15. Try chipotle powder if you don’t have chipotle peppers.
16. Top with crumbled tortilla chips for texture.
17. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
18. Include a splash of red wine vinegar before serving.
19. Garnish with cheese like queso fresco or cheddar.
20. Serve with jalapeño cornbread for a spicy side.
21. Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
22. Blend part of the soup for creaminess without dairy.
23. Add chopped bell peppers for sweetness.
24. Include a spoonful of tomato paste for richness.
25. Use vegetable bouillon if you prefer a more concentrated flavor.
26. Add a handful of spinach at the end for a nutrient boost.
27. Use smoked sea salt for added smokiness.
28. Try garnishing with crispy onions for crunch.
29. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the heat.
30. Serve with lime wedges for each person to add as they like.

30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup

1. Sauté your veggies well to deepen flavor.
2. Blend chipotle peppers with a bit of broth for even spice distribution.
3. Toast the cumin for a few seconds before adding other ingredients.
4. Use low heat after bringing to a boil for a gentle simmer.
5. Avoid over-blending to keep some texture.
6. Add chipotle peppers gradually to control spice.
7. Include whole spices like bay leaf for depth.
8. Add a smoky ham hock while simmering (remove before blending).
9. Rinse beans well to avoid extra sodium.
10. For a richer base, use bone broth.
11. Let the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking.
12. Use a hand blender for texture control.
13. Add lime juice for brightness.
14. Top with a bit of sour cream to balance spice.
15. Use homemade broth for best results.
16. Layer flavors with smoked paprika and chipotle.
17. Avoid high-sodium broth for better taste control.
18. Add a splash of white wine if desired.
19. Use organic beans for the best flavor.
20. Add a bit of chili powder for additional warmth.
21. Stir in coconut cream for smoothness.
22. For extra smokiness, try liquid smoke.
23. Include green onions for a fresh finish.
24. Add roasted garlic for a deeper taste.
25. Top with a squeeze of lime just before eating