Cuban Black Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried black beans
rinsed and drained, or 4 cans – 15 oz.
- 1 large white onion
chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
chopped
- 2 stalks celery
chopped
- 2 medium carrots
chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper
cored and chopped
- 2 bay leafs
- 1 – 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 – 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
or water
- juice of one orange + orange halves
- himalayan salt and pepper to taste
- diced tomatoes
- onion
- vegan sour cream
- lime wedges
Directions
- 1
The night before, rinse beans in colander with cold running water. Pick through and remove any broken or shriveled beans. Place beans in large pot with 5 or 6 cups water and cover to soak overnight.
- 2
Next day, drain beans and rinse again. Place beans back in pot, add water, bring to a boil and simmer covered for 1 hour, drain and rinse.
- 3
Juice the orange and set the juice aside. Reserve the orange halves for the soup.
- 4
To the pot of freshly cooked beans, add the bay leaves, garlic, cumin, paprika, onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, water/broth, orange halves, salt and pepper, reserving the orange juice for later. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes to one hour, or until beans and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Add extra water as necessary (I used another 1 cup of water).
- 5
Once beans are tender, remove the orange halves and bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend soup to desired consistency. I blended about 3/4, leaving some chunkiness. You could also use a food processor/blender (this method may take two batches to complete). Blending is optional, you may like it chunky as is. Add the orange juice to the pureed soup and cook another 5-10 minutes.
- 6
To Serve: Serve alone or over a bed of cooked buckwheat, farro or brown rice. Top soup with a dollop of Sour Cream, Lime Cilantro Cashew ‘Sour Cream’ or Paprika Cashew Crema. You may also like to top it with diced onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, avocado, jalapenos, a squeeze of lime and/or cilantro.
- 7
Serves 4 generously, or 6 smaller portions.
Cuban Black Bean Soup
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 26 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a healthy, hearty, and deeply flavorful meal that’s packed with vegetables and soul-satisfying warmth? This Cuban Black Bean Soup delivers a delicious experience that’s perfect for any day of the week, offering rich, earthy flavors that resonate with comfort.
What makes this Cuban Black Bean Soup truly special is its vibrant combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. From the foundational black beans to the medley of white onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and red bell pepper, each component contributes to a complex yet balanced flavor profile. The clever addition of orange juice and its halves infuses a bright, subtle citrus note that elevates the entire dish, preventing it from being one-dimensional and adding an authentic touch.
Expect a beautifully thick and comforting soup, rich with the creamy texture of black beans and tender, perfectly cooked vegetables. The presence of cumin and smoked paprika brings a gentle warmth and earthy depth that’s incredibly inviting, while the orange provides a refreshing counterpoint. This soup is designed to be substantial and satisfying, a delicious experience that feels both nourishing and indulgent. It's a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
This versatile soup allows for easy customization to suit your pantry or preferences. You can effortlessly swap dried black beans for canned if you're looking for a quicker preparation. Feel free to adjust the amounts of cumin and smoked paprika to your taste, adding a little more for a bolder spice profile. If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, water works perfectly as a substitute without compromising the rich flavors.
Serve this hearty Cuban Black Bean Soup as a standalone meal, perhaps with a side of crusty bread. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch, and the array of garnishes like diced tomatoes, fresh onion, vegan sour cream, and a squeeze of lime wedges allow everyone to personalize their bowl.