Dive into the heart of Mexican cuisine with our delectable Black Bean Soup Topped with Pico de Gallo! This comforting dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering with friends. Imagine the rich, savory flavors of tender black beans simmered to perfection, enhanced by the zesty freshness of pico de gallo. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pico de gallo for topping
Instructions
- In a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the drained and rinsed black beans with the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the beans are completely covered by the liquid. Add ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- If using a slow cooker, set to low heat and cook for 4 hours, allowing the beans to become tender and the flavors to meld together. If using a stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for approximately 1-
- 5 hours.
- Once the beans are soft and the soup has thickened, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some of the beans, creating a creamy texture while leaving some beans whole.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or cumin as needed to enhance the flavor profile.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, ensuring an even distribution of beans and broth.
- Top each serving generously with fresh pico de gallo, which will add brightness, acidity, and a fresh contrast to the rich, warm soup.
- Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Soak Your Beans: If you prefer using dried black beans instead of canned, soak them overnight for a creamier texture. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a dash of smoked paprika while the soup simmers.
- Texture Matters: When mashing the beans, don’t overdo it! Aim for a mix of creamy and whole beans to keep the soup hearty and interesting.
- Pico de Gallo Perfection: Use ripe tomatoes and fresh cilantro in your pico de gallo for the best taste. You can also add diced avocado for a creamy twist!
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the soup with additional veggies like bell peppers or corn, or spice it up with jalapeños for a kick!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up all the deliciousness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can also elevate the dish.
- Leftover Love: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
