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–+ servings
Southwest black bean soup in a white bowl garnished with avocado, cilantro, and lime slices

Southwest Black Bean Soup (Easy!)

This delicious southwest-style soup combines black beans, hearty vegetables, and warm spices. It's easy to prepare and customize!
AuthorKaitlin - The Garden Grazer
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
CourseMain Dish, Soup
CuisineGluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
Servings5 bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 8 oz. gold potato (about 1 medium)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 30 oz. canned black beans (two 15 oz. cans)
  • 15 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 oz. diced green chiles
  • 1 cup sweet corn (I use frozen)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

Toppings of choice (optional):

  • Avocado, cilantro, green onion, tortilla strips, hot sauce, nutritional yeast, chipotle crema, cashew sour cream, fresh lime juice

Instructions

  • Dice onion and potato. Mince garlic.
  • In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté onion for 7-8 minutes. (I use 3 Tbsp. veggie broth/water for no-oil sauté method, adding more as needed.)
  • Meanwhile, mince garlic.
  • When onion is translucent, add potato, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add broth, black beans (rinsed and drained), tomatoes, green chiles, and corn.
  • Bring to a light boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potato is tender.
  • Meanwhile, roughly chop cilantro and prepare any desired toppings.
  • Before serving, add cilantro to pot and stir to combine. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with toppings of choice. (I enjoy avocado, lime juice, and hot sauce.)

Notes

Grains: Add cooked rice or quinoa to your bowl if desired.
Make it spicy: Add jalapeno, chipotle in adobo sauce, more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
Thickness: Add another can of black beans (or pinto, kidney) for an extra thick & hearty soup. Or you can add 1-2 Tbsp. tomato paste with the broth.
Recipe originally published November 2019. Updated September 2023.

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Calories: 266 kcal | Carbohydrates: 53 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 0.3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3 g | Potassium: 1047 mg | Fiber: 16 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 1001 IU | Vitamin C: 34 mg | Calcium: 123 mg | Iron: 6 mg