Vegan Black Bean Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 lb (450g) dried black beans
• 6 cups (1.4L) reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• Lime wedges, for serving

Preparation Time:

1 hour

Cooking Time:

3-4 hours

Difficulty Level:

2/5 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Rinse the black beans and pick out any stones or debris.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of olive oil until softened.
3. Add the bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), oregano, cumin, chili powder, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
4. Drain the tomatoes and add to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add the black beans to the pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are cooked through.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve the soup topped with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information:

(Per serving) - Calories: 200 - Fat: 5g - Saturated Fat: 1g - Sodium: 400mg - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 10g - Protein: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich, flavorful, and creamy
• Healthy and packed with protein and fiber
• Suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets
• Can be served as a warm and hearty soup or a filling appetizer

User Comments:

• "This soup is absolutely delicious! I love the smoky flavor and the creamy texture."
• "It's so easy to make and the perfect way to warm up on a cold day."
• "I served this soup to my non-vegan friends and they all loved it!"
• "The jalapeños add a nice kick of heat, but you can adjust the amount depending on your preference."
• "This soup is a great way to meal prep and have healthy lunches all week."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you are short on time, you can use canned black beans. Just be sure to rinse them well.
• For a thicker soup, puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
• Garnish the soup with sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.