Smoky, velvety Mexican-style black bean soup
Black Bean Soup
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
2 hr
Total Time
2 hr 10 min
Servings
4
6 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Black Bean Soup
Smoky, velvety Mexican-style black bean soup
★4.8(14)
A thick, velvety soup made from simmered black beans with smoky chipotle, cumin, and lime. Simple, satisfying, and packed with plant-based protein.
10m
Prep Time
120m
Cook Time
130m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This black bean soup is a staple across Mexico and Latin America, turning humble dried beans into something deeply flavorful. Partially blending creates the perfect creamy-chunky texture.
Mexican cuisine is one of the most vibrant and flavor-forward traditions in the world. This recipe captures that spirit with accessible ingredients and techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt, lime, and cilantro for serving
Instructions
- 1
Drain soaked beans, place in a large pot with fresh water, onion, garlic, and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- 2
Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beans are completely tender.
- 3
Add chipotle, cumin, and salt. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
- 4
Remove half the soup and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot and stir to combine.
- 5
Serve topped with sour cream, cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Substitutions
Dried black beans3 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained
Much faster with good results
Chipotle in adobo1 tsp smoked paprika
Less spicy but still smoky
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
No time to soak? Use the quick-soak method: boil for 1 minute, then let sit covered for 1 hour.
Add a ham hock or bacon while simmering for a smoky, meaty version.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 4 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein18g
Carbohydrates2g
Fat50g
Fiber480mg
Sugar14g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned beans?
- Yes, use 3 cans of drained beans and reduce cooking time to 30 minutes.
- How do I make it smoky without chipotle?
- Add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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