Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This slow cooker black bean soup recipe is your answer. It's the perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights, offering a fantastic blend of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks, promising a delicious and satisfying homemade dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal using your slow cooker!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. This step enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Slow Cooking Time: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the flavors have melded beautifully and the beans are tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Remember to vent the lid when blending hot liquids.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup:
- Don't rinse the black beans (unless you prefer): The liquid from the cans adds flavor and thickness to the soup. However, rinsing is fine if you prefer a less starchy soup.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. A dash of oregano or other Mexican spices can also enhance the flavor profile.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them along with the bell peppers in step 1.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure you use vegetable broth.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chipotle powder for extra heat.
- Creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a richer and creamier texture (not vegan).
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: Approximately 15g Fiber: Approximately 10g
This slow cooker black bean soup is a quick dinner idea that's packed with flavor and nutrients. It's a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend meal. Enjoy!