Black Bean Soup

Dip into a bowl of satisfying black bean soup.

My recipe uses canned black beans. Why?

Because I just don't have the time, patience, or inclination to cook dried black beans from scratch! Yep, call me lazy...

Add a Tad of Lemon Juice

Don't be tempted to omit the lemon juice in the recipe. It adds that little zip of tangy flavor!

What ARE Black Beans?

Black beans are a type of legume that is high in protein and fiber, and they have a delicious, nutty flavor.

Their smooth, creamy texture makes them an important ingredient in many dishes around the world.

They are native to South America and Central America. They're also known as "turtle beans," "Brazilian beans," and "black turtle beans."

Origins of Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is a traditional dish that is popular in Latin American countries. It is made with black beans, vegetables, and spices and is typically served with rice on the side or tortillas.

How about crispy tortilla chips or salsa? Cheese is a good go-to, and let's not forget about a blob of sour cream.

For those who like it hot: add a dash of hot sauce, and to cool your mouth down, add a lime wedge!

Do You Add Meat to this Soup?

Quick Question: Do folks add meat to black bean soup? Quick answer: No. It's typically made with vegetables only.

However, you could add meat if you wanted to.

Some common additions include chicken, beef, or pork. In doing so, to me, that would begin to resemble chili! (Without the heat, of course!)

Want to Use Fresh Ingredients?

If you want to use fresh ingredients that you may have on hand, do this:

Exchange the dry ingredients in the recipe, above, for these fresh ingredients listed below!

• 1/2 a large onion, peeled and sliced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 3 slices fresh elephant garlic, or 2 small "regular sized" garlic cloves

Tip: Lemon Juice Adds That Little Zip of Flavor...
and the Bacon Really Adds to the Depth

A little note here about beans. If you prefer to suffer from less gas—and who wouldn't?—consider rinsing the beans first.

This takes away most of the gaseous effect of the beans. Just grab your sieve and rinse the beans under the kitchen faucet... how easy is that solution to gas?!

Black Bean Soup Deserves Home-Baked Bread!

Make your own bread to serve with this delicious soup! Yes, you can make delicious great-tasting bread at home. We have two great sources: Anita and this beginner recipe based on Breadworld's beginner recipe... yummy!

It's really satisfying to bake your own bread and dip it in a hot bowl of black bean soup!

If You're Into Soup...

If you love soup as much as I do, then please check out these fantastic, easy soup recipes:

• Cauliflower Soup
• Celery and Potato Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Green Split Pea Soup
• Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup
• Lentil Soup ~ Classic
• Tasty Tuna Fish Soup
• Vegetable Soup
• Velvety Pea Soup

All of these tasty soup recipes are available in our 20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes eBook/Paperback! Treat yourself today.

Where Do Black Beans Come From?

Black beans are typically grown in warm climates. They are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Here are some of the best countries for growing black beans:

• Brazil - Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of black beans. The climate in many regions of Brazil is ideal for growing beans, with warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil. Major black bean-producing states include Minas Gerais, Goiás, Parana, and São Paulo.
• India - India is another top producer of black beans, often known as urad dal. The tropical climate in many parts of India allows for excellent bean production. Major growing regions include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• Myanmar - Black beans are an important crop in Myanmar (also known as Burma). The monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons provides good conditions for bean cultivation. Key producing areas are in the Sagaing and Magway regions.
• China - China grows a sizable quantity of black beans, though most are consumed domestically. Yunnan province in southwest China offers an ideal environment for bean farming.
• Mexico - Mexico has a long tradition of black bean cultivation and consumption. The states of Veracruz, Sinaloa, and Zacatecas are important producers. Mexican black beans are widely used in traditional cuisine.
• United States - While not a leading global producer, black beans are grown in the southern states of the U.S., mainly Florida, Georgia, and California. Production tends to be small-scale and oriented toward domestic consumption.

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