Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that practically cooks itself? This black bean soup recipe is the perfect solution for busy days or when you’re craving something warm and filling.
Packed with smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, this one pot recipe requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor.
Whether you’re a slow-cooker enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this dish is a fantastic choice for a wholesome, hands-off meal that will impress your family and friends.
Tips for Perfecting Your One Pot Recipe
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables, rinse the beans, and measure spices ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Microwave Aromatics: Lightly cooking onions, garlic, and chili powder before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Use Baking Soda: Adding a pinch of baking soda to the beans helps soften them quickly, ensuring an even texture without soaking.
- Mash Some Beans: For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the cooked beans before serving, and stir them back into the soup.
- Finish With Fresh Cilantro: Stirring in freshly chopped cilantro at the end adds brightness and a fresh herbal note.
Customizing This Recipe to Fit Your Diet
This one pot recipe is versatile and easy to adjust to suit dietary preferences or restrictions:
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- Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based version, skip the smoked ham hock and use vegetable broth. To replicate the smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your broth is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and reduce the amount of salt added during cooking. You can always season to taste at the end.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your liking. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This black bean soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few simple pairings:
- Toppings: Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, diced red onion, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor and texture.
- Sides: Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips to make it even more satisfying.
- Salads: Pair with a light, citrusy salad for a refreshing contrast to the smoky and hearty soup.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or weekday lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Soup Recipe
This one pot black bean soup combines the best of flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Its smoky aroma will fill your kitchen as it cooks, making it nearly impossible to wait until dinner time.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire winner for anyone seeking an effortless, hearty meal. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation!
Best Black Bean Soup One Pot Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Potato masher
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 onions chopped fine
- 3 celery ribs cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound 2 1/2 cups dried black beans, picked over and rinsed
- 1 12-ounce smoked ham hock, rinsed
- 2 carrots peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Microwave onions, celery, garlic, oil, and chili powder in a bowl, stirring occasionally until onions are softened (about 5 minutes). Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Assemble Ingredients: Add chicken broth, water, beans, ham hock, carrots, baking soda, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 5 to 7 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Prepare Ham Hock: Remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Discard the fat, skin, and bones.
- Mash and Finalize: Use a potato masher to mash a portion of the beans directly in the slow cooker to thicken the soup. Stir in the shredded ham and allow the soup to heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Stir in fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped red onion, sour cream, and hot sauce as desired.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.