Recipe Instructions:
Ingredients:
• 500 grams dried black beans (or 3 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 liter vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream or yogurt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
• If using dried black beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
• In a large pot, add the soaked beans and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Spices and Tomatoes:
• Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and dried oregano to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add the can of diced tomatoes and stir well.
4. Combine and Simmer:
• Add the cooked black beans (or canned beans), vegetable or chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Blend the Soup:
• Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if preferred. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
6. Season and Serve:
• Add the lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if desired.
Reheating Instructions:
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat until warmed through, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
