Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup Recipe
Black Bean Soup is a thick and hearty soup made with black beans, vegetables, and spices, simmered together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Ina Garten’s version adds her signature touch of balanced flavors and simplicity, making it both comforting and elegant.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Latin
Ingredients
- Black beans – 4 cups, cooked (or 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained)
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Yellow onion – 1 large, diced
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots – 2, peeled and diced
- Celery stalks – 2, diced
- Red bell pepper – 1, diced
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Chili powder – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Chicken or vegetable stock – 4 cups
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Bay leaf – 1
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Fresh lime juice – 2 tbsp
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavors.
- Add Beans and Stock: Add the black beans, chicken or vegetable stock, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
- Blend for Creaminess: Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some beans and vegetables intact for texture. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.