Hearty & Thick Black Bean Soup Recipe 🍲

Overview:

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 264.1 per serving
• Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Description:

Indulge in the heartiness of this delicious black bean soup, a recipe that has stood the test of time and garnered praise from all who have tasted it. Originating from MUSTARD’S GRILL in the picturesque St. Helena, CA, nestled in the Napa Valley, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds with its robust flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these beans boast a spicy kick and a velvety texture that will leave you craving for more. Prep time excludes the time needed for soaking the beans, so plan accordingly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black beans
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup bacon, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 – 3/4 tsp ground pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for added richness)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the Beans:

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   • Overnight Method: Place black beans in a bowl and cover with water. Allow them to soak overnight.
   • Quick Method: Bring water and black beans to a boil in a pot. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the beans.

2. Cook the Bacon:

   • In a heavy, large pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until golden brown and crisp, stirring frequently. This should take about 5 minutes.

3. Saute Vegetables:

   • Add minced garlic, chopped celery, diced carrot, finely chopped onion, diced jalapeño, and bay leaf to the pot with the cooked bacon.
   • Cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. This process should take around 10 minutes.

4. Season the Soup:

   • Stir in chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ground pepper. Allow the spices to become aromatic, approximately 1 minute.

5. Add Beans and Broth:

   • Incorporate the soaked (or drained) black beans into the pot, along with the chicken broth (or beef broth).
   • Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

6. Simmer Until Tender:

   • Cook the soup uncovered until the beans are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. This process typically takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

7. Adjust Consistency:

   • If desired, add more broth to achieve a soupy consistency.

8. Season to Taste:

   • Season the soup with salt according to your preference.

9. Serve:

   • Ladle the hearty black bean soup into bowls.
   • For an authentic touch, top each serving with chopped red onions, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this hearty black bean soup as a standalone meal or alongside crusty bread or tortilla chips for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
• Garnish with avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Storage:

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding additional broth if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Notes:

• Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.
• Experiment with different toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro for variety.
• This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs.

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Hearty & Thick Black Bean Soup, a comforting dish that will warm your soul with every spoonful!