Pic Credit: leisurerecipes.com
Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 Americans don’t get enough fiber in their diets? Since fiber plays an important role in digestive health, heart disease prevention, and overall well being, many are turning to plant based foods like beans to help fill the gap. Among these, purple black beans stand out for their high antioxidant content and impressive nutritional value.
It’s perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who loves hearty soups, this recipe combines the earthy richness of purple beans with the savory goodness of vegetables and spices. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious Purple Black Bean Soup that’s packed with flavor and health benefits and you’ll find detailed instructions to make a perfect purple black bean soup, along with helpful tips and variations. So let’s get started.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
- Purple Black Beans – 2 cups (soaked overnight)
- Water – 6 cups
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion – 1 large, diced
- Garlic Cloves – 4, minced
- Carrots – 2, peeled and diced
- Celery Stalks – 2, diced
- Red Bell Pepper – 1, diced
- Tomatoes – 2 medium, diced
- Bay Leaves – 2
- Cumin Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder – 1 teaspoon (optional for spice)
- Salt – 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
- Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Cilantro – 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Soak the Beans: Ensure that the purple black beans are soaked overnight for at least 8 hours. This helps in reducing cooking time and ensures better digestion.
- Adjust Salt Gradually: Always taste the soup before adding more salt. Since the beans can absorb salt as they cook, it’s best to adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and vegetables can make a huge difference in flavor. Choose the best quality vegetables you can find for optimal results.
- Spice Control: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a pinch of chili powder and taste the soup before adding more. You can always increase the heat gradually.
- Cooking Time Variations: Cooking time may vary depending on the type of beans used. If you are using dried beans, they may need additional cooking time compared to pre-soaked or canned beans.
Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe – Easy & Delicious!
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Purple Black Beans: These beans are smaller, darker, and richer in antioxidants compared to regular black beans. If you cannot find purple black beans, regular black beans can be substituted, but the color and health benefits may be slightly different.
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Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and bell peppers not only add texture but also bring natural sweetness to the soup, balancing the earthiness of the beans.
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Tomatoes: Using fresh tomatoes adds acidity to balance the richness of the beans and the spices. You can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
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Spices: The combination of cumin, paprika, and chili powder gives this soup a warm, smoky flavor. Adjust these spices based on your preference for heat and depth of flavor.
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Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice at the end of cooking adds brightness to the soup and enhances the flavor of the beans.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Prepare the Beans: Begin by soaking the purple black beans overnight. Drain and rinse them before cooking. If you didn’t soak the beans, you may need to cook them longer.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.
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Add the Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Beans and Liquid: Add the soaked purple black beans to the pot, followed by the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and 6 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Season the Soup: Stir in the cumin powder, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
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Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add more water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering to allow it to reduce.
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Final Touches: Once the beans are fully cooked, remove the soup from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Make it Spicy: If you like heat, you can add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicier version.
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Add a Protein: For added protein, you can stir in some cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu during the final stages of cooking.
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Vegan Version: This recipe is already vegan, but for an extra creaminess, you can add a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
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Slow Cooker Option: You can make this soup in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Add Greens: Consider adding some chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for extra vitamins and minerals.
EQUIPMENT
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Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
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Knife and Cutting Board
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
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Ladle
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
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Pair with Bread: This purple black bean soup is perfect when served with crusty bread, such as sourdough or a baguette. The bread soaks up the flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
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Top with Avocado: A few slices of creamy avocado on top of the soup can add richness and a delightful texture contrast.
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Serve with Rice: For a complete meal, serve the soup over a bed of rice or quinoa. The grains will absorb the soup, making for a hearty dish.
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Garnish with Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt can add a nice creaminess and tang to the soup, especially if it’s spicy.
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Serve with a Side Salad: Pair your soup with a light side salad of mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
If you're looking for another flavorful meal, check out this easy Swamp Soup Recipe: A Hearty Comforting Dish.
