Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will warm your soul and tantalize your senses with this authentic Brazilian black bean soup! Imagine a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish that captures the essence of Brazilian comfort food - a recipe that has been passed down through generations and is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. Whether you're a food adventurer or simply craving something hearty and delicious, this black bean soup promises to be a game-changer in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Brazilian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black beans that have been soaked overnight, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate chopped bell pepper and diced carrot into the pot, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the soaked black beans to the pot along with vegetable broth and bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for approximately 1 hour or until beans are tender and creamy.
- Remove bay leaves and use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash some beans, creating a thicker, creamier texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Soaking is Key: Always soak your black beans overnight to ensure even cooking and better digestibility. This step helps reduce cooking time and improves the beans' texture.
- Layer Your Flavors: Take time to sauté your onions, garlic, and vegetables properly. This builds a deep flavor foundation for your soup.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the beans to become tender and develop a creamy consistency. Rushing this process can result in tough beans.
- Texture Matters: Partially mashing some beans creates a luxurious, creamy texture. Use a potato masher or immersion blender for best results.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Don't skip the cilantro garnish - it adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the soup's richness.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add protein like chorizo or make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more or less broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
