Spicy Black Bean Soup

A bowl filled with spicy black bean soup, swirls of vegan sour cream, and salsa.

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Why This Recipe Rawks
Ingredients for Spicy Black Bean Soup
How to Make Spicy Black Bean Soup
Easy Add-Ins
Common Questions
Other Warming Soups You’ll Love

Let’s be real—there’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to make everything feel right in the world. I don’t know about you, but I love a recipe that’s equal parts satisfying, flavorful, and good for me. That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this spicy black bean soup.

A single serving of spicy black bean soup with fresh salsa.

Why This Recipe Rawks

First off, it’s bursting with bold flavors thanks to a mix of smoky, spicy, and savory ingredients. We’re talking cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, all blended together to give that deep, rich taste that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.

The warm, smoky blend of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika does more than enhance the taste—it brings health benefits, too. Paprika has anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost your metabolism, making this soup a flavorful way to support your health goals. Light yet satisfying, it’s a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even a post-workout pick-me-up.

The start of the soup is black beans earning their superfood status with a powerful mix of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. These tasty black beans support better digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and provide long-lasting energy. Light yet satisfying, spicy black bean soup is a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even a post-workout pick-me-up.

Ingredients for Spicy Black Bean Soup

This spicy black bean soup is packed with bold flavors and the perfect balance of heat and heartiness. Here’s what I’m cooking this soup with:

Black Beans: At the base of this soup, spicy black beans are rich in protein and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious choice. You can use canned beans for convenience or cook them from scratch for a fresher taste. Look for low-sodium options to keep it healthier.
Vegetable Stock: A rich and flavorful broth that brings all the ingredients together. Choose a low-sodium vegetable stock for better control over the seasoning of the soup. You can learn how to make vegetable stock or use your favorite store-bought brand.
Oregano: This herb adds a lovely earthy flavor and helps tie all the spices together. You can use dried oregano, which is easily found in any grocery store’s spice aisle.
Lime Juice: A fresh squeeze of lime at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing tang that balances the heat of the spices. Always go for fresh limes for the best taste.
Chili Powder: This spice gives the soup its signature warmth and a touch of smokiness. Choose a mild chili powder or adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Cumin: This spice brings a smoky, earthy undertone that complements the black beans and other ingredients beautifully. Cumin is a must-have for adding depth to the soup.
Bay Leaves: Adding bay leaves during cooking infuses the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Don’t forget to remove them before serving!
Salsa: A scoop of salsa adds depth and a bit of tang to the soup, enriching its flavor profile. Use your favorite store-bought variety or homemade salsa.
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish, cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy flavor that brightens the soup and gives it a pop of color. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.

How to Make Spicy Black Bean Soup

I love how simple this spicy black bean soup recipe is to make:

Dried black beans, herbs and spices in a gray pot in preparation for cooking.

Step 1: Add cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika in your pot to combine the spices.

Dried black beans, herbs and spices prepared in a gray pot.

Step 2: Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to enhance the flavors.

A pot of simmering spicy black bean soup.

Step 3: Add your hearty black beans and the simmering vegetable broth to the pot.

Step 4: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble quietly for 20 minutes as the flavors meld together.

Cooked spicy black bean soup being blended with an immersion blender.

Step 5: Take out the bay leaves. Then blend the soup until completely smooth and creamy using an immersion blender or a standard blender for a luxuriously textured result.

An immersion blender pureeing spicy black bean soup.

Step 6: Blend until the soup is the thickness you desire. If you want a thicker, heartier soup you can skip this step all together. Then squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup.

Spicy black bean soup cooked and ready to serve.

Step 7: Stir the spicy black bean soup until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

A single serving of spicy black bean soup with vegan sour cream, fresh salsa, and cilantro.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh cilantro, cool and smooth avocado slices, or a dollop of spicy salsa to complete the dish. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and savor each delicious spoonful.

Adding More flavor to your soup

For the best results, toast the spices a little longer to enhance their flavor, and adjust the texture by blending more for a silky finish or leaving it chunky for a heartier bite. A dash of chipotle powder, smoked paprika or other spices for can add a smoky depth to your spicy black bean soup.

A big bowl of spicy black bean soup ready to eat.

Easy Add-Ins

This black bean soup spicy is versatile and easy to customize! Try these delicious variations to switch things up:

Add a Smoky Chipotle Twist: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a deep, smoky heat.
Add Creamy Coconut: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture with a hint of sweetness. You can check out my guide of the best coconut milk brands—canned and carton for my top picks for coconut milk.
Add a Hearty Veggie Boost: Toss in diced sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients and great texture in your soup.
Add more Protein: Mix in quinoa, shredded chicken, or crumbled tofu for a more filling meal.
Zesty Southwest Style: Add corn, diced tomatoes, and a handful of fresh cilantro for a vibrant, Tex-Mex-inspired flavor.
Extra Heat Lovers: Spice it up with extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce in your spicy black bean cuisine.
Tortilla Soup Style: Top with crunchy tortilla strips and crispy avocado fries for a fun, satisfying crunch in your spicy black bean soup.

Common Questions

Are black beans vegetarian?

Yes, spicy black beans are best for vegetarian soup! They are a plant-based food, making them an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Black beans can be used in a variety of dishes to add heartiness and nutrition, such as soups, salads, tacos, and more.

What to eat with spicy black bean soup?

Black bean soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its hearty flavors. A warm, slightly sweet cornbread is a classic choice, or you can serve the soup with rice or quinoa for extra substance.

Other Warming Soups You’ll Love

If you’re loving this spicy black bean soup, you might also want to try:

Bieler’s Blended Vegetable Soup: My go-to remedy when I’m feeling under the weather.
Roasted Red Pepper Soup: A warm, comforting pepper soup, perfect for fall.
Vegan Tomato Soup: A kid’s favorite that I love serving to the whole family!
Carrot Ginger Soup: Aromatic, beautifully colored, and full of rich, flavorful goodness.
Vegan Potato Soup: A hearty family favorite, enjoyed all season long.

If you make this Spicy Black Bean Soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.