Southwestern Black Bean Soup Recipe

Adapted from Weight Watchers Spicy Black Bean Soup.

I’ll admit it. I am a total wimp when it comes to anything spicy. The problem is that I love variety, and that means all kinds of flavors – including the spicy ones. A few months ago I went out to dinner with one of my best friends, and we were trying out a local Korean BBQ. We both decided on a mild level of spiciness for our ramen bowls, but despite this the two of us were a sniffling, watery-eyed mess within seconds of starting our meal. Our waitress came to check on us and, noting how pathetic we looked despite our assertions that the food was delicious, offered to bring us some broth to cut down on the spice.

Needless to say, we took her up on the offer. A few minutes later, an elderly woman brought us out a bowl of the broth. There wasn’t anything to scoop it out with, so after another minute or so I, being the ever-so ladylike lady that I am, tipped the broth out to pour some into my bowl. My friend followed my lead, and in the midst of her pouring hers out our original waitress returned with a ladle. She stared for what seemed like forever, then slowly placed it onto the table and walked away.

The two of us felt embarrassed and immediately began giggling to ourselves. “Gosh! Use the ladle, you uncultured swine!” I joked, and in between gasped breaths of laughter and spilled droplets of broth my friend’s eyes filled with tears of mirth.

The recipe I’d like to share with you today, fortunately, will not bring you to spicy tears. It’s full of that delicious southwestern flavor, and just the right amount of spice for mild-mannered folk. Of course, if you like your food extra spicy, you can always add about a ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and/or use those canned tomatoes that come with green chilis. I always say, adapt the recipe to whatever suits you and your tastes. This black bean soup is amazingly simple to throw together.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 (15-oz) cans black beans, undrained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1/2 T chili powder
• 1 HEAPING t chipotle chili pepper
• 1 t ground cumin
• 1/2 t salt
• 14 oz vegetable broth
• 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (11-oz) can yellow corn, drained
• Optional: red pepper flakes, shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Blend 1 can beans, chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, cumin, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until lightly browned.
3. Pour bean mixture into the pot, then stir in the remaining 2 cans of beans, vegetable broth, tomatoes and corn.
4. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Serve with freshly grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

About Demelza Young

Demelza Young is an alumni of Northern Kentucky University. She currently enjoys volunteering her time in her local community, reviewing online content with her cat, and sharing quality recipes.