Mexican Black Bean Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Bowl of Comfort
Category: Soups & Starters
Servings: 4
This Mexican Black Bean Soup is a rich, hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something warm and comforting, it’s an ideal recipe to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black beans (dried) | 300g |
| Smoked bacon (thick-cut) | 150g |
| Chicken broth | 1 liter |
| Tomatoes (ripe) | 150g |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Fresh chili | 1 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tbsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 pinch |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Tortilla chips | 4 servings |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~15g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~12g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Saturated Fat | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~850mg |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Black Beans
- Begin by soaking the black beans in cold water for at least 12 hours. This step is crucial for tender beans, so it’s best to start the night before cooking.
- Once soaked, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any impurities.
2. Build the Flavor Base
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over low heat.
- Add the fresh chili (either whole or chopped for more heat), finely chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Incorporate the smoked bacon in a single piece along with the bay leaves. Sauté gently until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Introduce the Tomatoes
- Dice the ripe tomatoes into small cubes and add them to the pot.
- Sprinkle in a pinch of ground cinnamon to infuse the mixture with a subtle warmth that complements the smokiness of the bacon. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Add the soaked and rinsed black beans to the pot, followed by the chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
- Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the black beans are tender and have absorbed the rich flavors of the broth.
5. Season and Serve
- Once the beans are cooked, season the soup with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a bit of every flavorful component.
6. Garnish and Enjoy
- Serve the Mexican Black Bean Soup hot, accompanied by crispy tortilla chips. These add a delightful crunch and are perfect for scooping up the hearty soup.
Tips for Success
- Customizing Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use half a chili or remove the seeds before cooking.
- Adding Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness before serving.
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace smoked bacon with smoked paprika and chicken broth with vegetable stock for a vegetarian twist.
This Mexican Black Bean Soup is not just a dish but an experience of bold flavors and comforting textures, perfect for any meal occasion. Serve it as a starter or a light main course, and watch it become a household favorite.
For more tortilla recipes to complement this soup, explore the Tortilla Chip Collection on Love With Recipes!
