Description
This Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal, combining tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, diced tomatoes, and warm spices. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or meal prep, this comforting soup is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 5–6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and broth: Add the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and 5 to 6 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add black beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Finish with lime juice: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the juice of one lime to brighten the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving if you like.
Notes
- Blend 1–2 cups of the soup for a thicker, creamier texture if desired.
- Adjust the spice level according to your preference by modifying the cayenne pepper amount or adding more chili powder.
- This soup freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Serve with sliced avocado or tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Southwestern
