Vegetarian Black Bean Soup – High Protein, Full of Flavor

This Vegetarian Black Bean Soup is a warm and satisfying dish packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors. With a rich blend of black beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days or whenever you crave something hearty and wholesome. Easy to make and even better the next day, this soup is a delicious way to fuel your body with plant-based goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling – Packed with fiber-rich black beans and vibrant vegetables.
Plant-Based Goodness – A satisfying meal that’s both vegetarian and protein-rich.
Easy One-Pot Recipe – Minimal cleanup and big flavors, all in one pot.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day, ideal for leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Add the Spices
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine the Beans and Broth
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Blend for Texture (Optional)
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup, or transfer a portion to a blender and then return it to the pot.

Add Lime Juice and Serve
Stir in the lime juice and remove the bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 135
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 7g

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Heat – Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like extra spice.
• Blend for Creaminess – Puree part of the soup for a smoother consistency.
• Top It Off – Try adding sliced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or crushed tortilla chips.
• Freeze-Friendly – This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of hearty black beans, colorful vegetables, and warming spices makes this soup incredibly satisfying and nutritious. Light on calories but full of flavor, it’s an ideal option for a healthy lunch or dinner. Plus, the one-pot method means it’s simple to prepare and easy to clean up.

Vegetarian Black Bean Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a healthy meal prep option, this soup is sure to satisfy. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.