Are you craving a delicious, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired Black Bean Soup that will transform your lazy Sunday into a culinary adventure! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, aromatic flavors that have been slowly simmering all day, promising a comforting meal that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. This incredibly easy slow cooker recipe is not just a soup – it's a warm hug in a bowl that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the black beans. Set all the ingredients aside for easy access.
- In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once the garlic is fragrant, remove the skillet from heat.
- In the slow cooker, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the soup for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the slow cooker.
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the black bean soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or tortilla chips if desired. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Tips
- For the most robust flavor, take the time to sauté your onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step helps develop a deeper, more complex taste.
- Don't skip rinsing the black beans – it helps remove excess sodium and can reduce digestive discomfort.
- If you want a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy texture while keeping some whole beans intact.
- Fresh cilantro is key to brightening the final dish, so don't substitute with dried herbs.
- For added protein, consider topping the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt or some shredded cheese.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later – it'll taste even better the next day!
- Experiment with toppings like diced avocado, lime wedges, or crispy tortilla strips to customize your soup experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
