This is the BEST and most delicious Black Bean Soup recipe! Creamy, comforting and full of flavor, this easy vegetarian soup can be made with dried beans or with canned beans to save you time on busy days. Top it with a dollop of chipotle crema for a little spicy kick! GF
If using dried beans, pick to remove any stones or debris. Put them in a bowl and add enough cold water to cover them by at least 2 inches. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Drain well. Give them a rinse with cold water and drain once again.
In a heavy pot (6 Qt or larger) or Dutch oven over medium high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic cloves and cook stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
Next, add the tequila (if using) and cook for a few minutes or until almost all the tequila has evaporated. If using broth, skip this step. Add the beans, stock, diced green chiles, cumin and oregano and bring to a boil.
Dried Beans Cooking Instructions
If using dried beans, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are tender and cooked through.
Canned Beans Instructions
If using canned beans, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
After the beans are tender:
Remove the pot from the heat and using an immersion blender blend the soup to your desire texture and consistency. I like leaving some beans whole for a rustic chunky texture). You can also use a blender or food processor. Simply transfer some or all the soup to a blender and process until you reach your desire texture and consistency. Then, return the soup to the pot.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro (or more to taste), and the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for another 5 minutes over low heat.
Ladle into soup bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
To Make the Chipotle Crema
Whisk together all the ingredients. This can be made 3-4 days in advance. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
When cooking dried beans, do not add any salt until the beans are tender.
If using canned beans, there is no need to drain and rinse the beans. The liquid in which the beans are packed, although it may not look appealing, have a rich bean taste that will only enhance the flavor of the soup.
Additional broth may be needed if the soup is too thick for your taste. Don’t use water which dilutes the flavor.
When using dried beans, remove any stones or debris. Put them in a bowl and add enough cold water to cover them by at least 2 inches. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain the water and rinse the beans. Now they are ready for cooking!
Substitute the tequila with mezcal, white wine, bourbon or broth.