This easy Black Bean Soup is ready in just 15 minutes but tastes like it has been simmering on the stove for hours. Made with pantry staples, this is a delicious weeknight soup.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with those lonely cans of black beans that have been sitting in the pantry for ages, you’re in luck. This quick and easy black bean soup is a great way to utilize those extra beans and turn them into a meal that is both incredibly healthy and ultra satisfying. Not only that, but it can be whipped up in just fifteen minutes! Unlike so many soup recipes that take hours to prepare, this one comes together quickly so you can enjoy a flavorful meal without falling asleep while making it.
Because black beans are so versatile, we tend to stock up on them in bulk in my home. They can be used as the star ingredient in soups, salads, dips, burgers, and even brownies. Seriously! This healthy black bean recipe has become one of my favorite ways to clear out the pantry. You probably already have most of the ingredients laying around, so it’s also super cost efficient.
Whether you’re looking for healthy soup recipes for rainy days or quick weeknight recipes for busy nights, this Fifteen Minute Black Bean Soup guarantees to hit the spot. Garnish it with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and cotija cheese for a meal you won’t forget!
Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps
This dish is made with staple pantry ingredients, many of which you likely have at home already! The key ingredients you will need for this dish include:
- Black beans: Loaded with tons of protein and fiber, these delicious beans are the star of this dish. If you are out of black beans, this also works with other beans.
- Chicken broth: I like to use the low-sodium kind. You can also use vegetable broth to keep this dish vegan-friendly.
- Tomatoes: You will need a can of diced tomatoes for this recipe. If you don’t have any, you can use crushed tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes, but keep in mind this will alter the texture of the soup.
- Cilantro: Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten up the dish and add flavors that pair brilliantly with the rest of the ingredients. If you don't like cilantro, swap in parsley or another herb.
- Chipotle pepper: This adds delicious flavor and a nice kick to the soup. You can adjust the level of heat based on how much of the pepper you add. Swap in fresh jalapenos for a less smoky flavor or roasted red peppers if you don't like spicy food.
- Lime juice: Like the fresh cilantro, lime juice helps to brighten up the dish.
Health Benefits of Black Beans
Known as one of the healthiest legumes you can heat, black beans make an incredible addition to any healthy diet. They’re loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Because black beans are also incredibly versatile, they’re a popular source of protein for vegans and meat eaters alike. According to Women’s Health, these are some of the top health benefits of black beans:
- Stabilize blood sugar levels
- Fight against heart disease by lowering your cholesterol
- Reduce constipation and bloating
- Support healthy and strong bones
- Decrease the risk of cancer and diabetes
- Aid in weight loss and healthy weight maintenance
Serving and Substitution Tips
These are some of my top tips for servings and substitutions:
- If you want a thicker consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend up part of the soup so it gets thicker.
- For more of a kick, use a whole chipotle pepper. For less of one, use only half of a pepper.
- For a gorgeous pop of color, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Some of my favorite side dishes to pair with this dish are rice, quinoa, and cornbread. Try my Cilantro Lime Rice for the perfect side dish.
- To make this recipe vegan-friendly, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s just as delicious!
- If you want to add meat to this dish, you can add cooked chorizo or ground beef.
- If you like more veggies in your soup, feel free to add diced carrots and celery when you saute the onions. You could also add spinach or kale at the end and mix it in until it’s wilted before serving the dish.
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