Ina Garten’s Soul-Warming Black Bean Soup Recipe

Hearty soups bring comfort on chilly evenings, and this Barefoot Contessa black bean soup recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Ina Garten’s style shines through every spoonful of this delectable dish.

The robust blend of smoky spices and rich beans creates an irresistible flavor profile that warms you from the inside out.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure maximum depth and satisfaction.

The soup velvety texture and complex seasonings make it a standout meal for any occasion.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to savor a soup that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Black Bean Soup by Barefoot Contessa

• Red Pepper: Adds vibrant color and sweet, crisp flavor to build depth in the soup.
• Celery: Provides a subtle herbal note and contributes to the classic soup base.
• Onion: Creates a savory foundation and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Carrot: Brings natural sweetness and helps round out the vegetable base.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Black Beans: Hearty protein source that gives the soup its signature texture and earthiness.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid base and additional layered vegetable flavors.
• Cumin: Warm, smoky spice that complements the beans and adds Mexican-inspired depth.
• Oregano: Herbaceous seasoning that brings a subtle Mediterranean touch.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses a delicate background flavor and aromatic complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all other ingredients.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, citrusy notes and traditional Mexican flair.
• Lime Juice: Provides zesty acidity to lift and balance the soup's rich flavors.

Essentials for Making Black Bean Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping red pepper, celery, onion, and carrot.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable chopping.
• Immersion Blender: Ideal for pureeing soup directly in the pot.
• Blender (alternative): Useful for pureeing soup if no immersion blender is available.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of spices.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into bowls.

Cooking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa’s Black Bean Soup

• Vegetable Foundation

Warm a large pot and drizzle olive oil, creating a fragrant base with diced red pepper, celery, onion, and carrot. Let these colorful ingredients dance and soften together.

• Aromatic Enhancement

Introduce minced garlic, allowing its rich essence to bloom and infuse the vegetable mixture with deep, savory notes.

• Liquid Harmony

Combine black beans, vegetable broth, and a symphony of spices including cumin, oregano, bay leaf, pepper, and salt. Let the ingredients meld and simmer gently, creating a rich, comforting profile.

• Texture Transformation

Gently transform the soup’s consistency by partially blending, creating a luxurious balance between chunky and smooth. Remove the bay leaf before blending.

• Bright Finishing Touches

Awaken the soup’s flavors with fresh cilantro and a bright splash of lime juice. Serve in warm bowls, inviting personal creativity with optional garnishes.

Helpful Tips for Black Bean Soup Tweaks

• Roast the vegetables before adding them to the pot to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who love extra kick.
• Experiment with different beans like kidney or pinto beans to create unique texture and taste variations of the soup.
• Incorporate shredded chicken, diced chorizo, or plant-based protein crumbles for a heartier meal option.
• Garnish with crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado chunks, crumbled queso fresco, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add exciting layers of texture and flavor.

Serving Black Bean Soup for Any Meal

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, hearty soup.
• Pair with Crunchy Toppings: Add crispy tortilla strips, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crumbled queso fresco to introduce a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup.
• Serve with Warm Accompaniments: Offer warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or buttered toast on the side to soak up the delicious broth and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Create a Spicy Kick: Provide hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream with chili flakes for guests who want to customize their heat level and add extra zest.

How to Store and Reuse Black Bean Soup

• Batch Cooking Strategy: Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Hearty soups like this maintain excellent flavor and texture when frozen for up to 3 months.
• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover soup in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Keep toppings separate to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain fresh crunch when reheating.
• Quick Reheating Method: Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of vegetable broth if soup seems thick, restoring original consistency and preventing scorching.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Chop fresh cilantro and slice lime just before serving to maximize flavor and prevent wilting. Store additional garnishes like chopped green onions or sour cream separately for last-minute topping options.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s black bean soup delivers rich Mexican-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients. Homemade comfort brings warm spices and creamy texture that will satisfy hungry diners seeking a delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 60 oz (1.7 kg) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 32 oz (0.95 L) vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garnish options: avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced green onion

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Ignite olive oil in a capacious pot over medium-high heat, then tumble in diced red peppers, celery, onions, and carrots, sautéing until vegetables become tender and translucent.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking briefly to unlock deep, complex flavors while maintaining vegetable integrity.
3. Liquid and Seasoning Integration: Merge black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, and kosher salt into the pot, reducing heat to allow ingredients to harmonize and develop robust taste profiles.
4. Texture Transformation: Remove bay leaf and employ an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, creating a velvety consistency with delightful chunky elements. Alternatively, transfer a portion to a standard blender, process until smooth, then reincorporate into the main mixture.
5. Final Flourish: Elevate the soup’s vibrancy by folding in fresh cilantro and a zesty lime juice splash. Serve in warmed bowls, adorned with optional garnishes like creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or additional verdant cilantro sprigs.

Notes

• Vegetable Prep Power: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution in each spoonful.
• Blending Brilliance: Use an immersion blender for convenient, mess-free texture adjustment without transferring hot soup between containers.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Sauté vegetables thoroughly to develop deep, rich foundational flavors before adding liquid ingredients.
• Garnish Flexibility: Customize toppings based on personal preference or dietary needs, transforming the soup’s final presentation and taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg