Craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that'll transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Look no further than this Spicy Vegetable Corn Bean Soup! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of pure comfort that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you're a vegetarian, a spice lover, or just someone looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn. Chop the bell pepper and onion into small pieces, and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, stirring well to coat the vegetables. Allow the spices to cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the rinsed black beans and drained corn to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 20 minutes, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce at this stage.
- Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, remove it from heat. You can serve it immediately or let it cool slightly before serving.
- For serving, ladle the soup into bowls. You can garnish it with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
- Enjoy your Spicy Vegetable Corn Bean Soup with tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, toast your spices (cumin and chili powder) in the pot for a minute before adding other ingredients. This helps release their essential oils and deepens the overall taste.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting the onions and bell peppers soften slowly develops a richer flavor base for your soup.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the chili powder or adding cayenne pepper. Start conservatively and taste as you go.
- For added protein, consider topping the soup with grilled tofu, shredded chicken, or a sprinkle of queso fresco.
- This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
- Fresh garnishes like cilantro, lime juice, or diced avocado can elevate the soup's freshness and add a bright, zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
