Creamy Black Bean Delight: Panera-Inspired Soup

Panera Bread’s Black Bean Soup is a beloved dish known for its hearty flavors and comforting appeal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe and its components:

Panera Bread Black Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1/4 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes (use vegetable bouillon cubes for a vegetarian version)
• Boiling water (enough to cover the ingredients)
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons water
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for added freshness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Golden Glazed Carrot Cake: A Heavenly Delight
   • 
     Maple Butterscotch Bliss Cookies 🍁🍪
   • 
     Cheesy Sausage Corn Casserole
   • 
     Savory Basque Chicken: A Flavorful Spanish Delight 🍗
   • In a large pot, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, chopped red bell pepper, chicken (or vegetable) bouillon cubes, and enough boiling water to cover the ingredients.
   • Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

2. Add Beans and Seasoning:

   • Add half of one can of black beans (about 1 cup) to the pot.
   • Season with salt and cumin.
   • Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Puree the Soup:

   • Using an immersion blender directly in the pot (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches), puree the soup until smooth. This step helps create a creamy texture without adding cream.

4. Finish the Soup:

   • Add the remaining black beans to the pot.
   • Stir in the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch dissolved in water) to help thicken the soup.
   • If using, add the juice of one lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve:

   • Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, or shredded cheese.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 241.4
• Total Fat: 1.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 0.3mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 44.3g
  • Dietary Fiber: 14.5g
  • Sugar: 2.5g
• Protein: 14.7g

Recipe Notes:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon cubes and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
• Texture Preference: Adjust the soup’s texture by blending more or less depending on how chunky or smooth you prefer your soup.
• Garnish Ideas: Enhance the presentation and flavor with toppings like chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Panera Bread’s Black Bean Soup, recreated in your own kitchen, captures the essence of a comforting, nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you crave a satisfying bowl of soup. Enjoy the rich flavors and health benefits of this homemade version!