Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup

Indulge in a bowl of this Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup, a hearty and fiber-rich meal that combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with protein-packed legumes. This warming, gut-friendly soup is simmered with aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner or a nutritious lunch.

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Perfect for meal prepping, this American-style soup relies on wholesome ingredients like diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to create a rich base that perfectly complements the creamy sweet potato chunks.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced, approx. 500 g), 1 large yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium carrot (diced), 1 stalk celery (diced), 1 red bell pepper (diced).
• Legumes: 2 cans (400 g each) black beans, drained and rinsed.
• Liquids: 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth, 400 g (1 can) diced tomatoes with juice.
• Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• Garnishes: Chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado.

Instructions

Step 1

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in sweet potatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cayenne, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with juice. Bring to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 6

Add black beans, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 7

Remove bay leaf. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks.

Step 8

Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, lime, or avocado as desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the perfect consistency, use an immersion blender to blend only a portion of the soup; this creates a thick, creamy texture while maintaining the integrity of the black beans and sweet potato chunks. Always remove the bay leaf before serving or blending.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky kick. If black beans are unavailable, kidney or pinto beans serve as excellent alternatives. To add a creamy finishing touch for non-vegans, a dollop of Greek yogurt provides extra protein.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and creamy avocado slices. This soup is best enjoyed alongside crusty bread or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.

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This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup is a nourishing, delicious staple that brings warmth and health to your table with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores beautifully. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

→ How can I make this soup creamier?

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend 1-2 cups of the soup in a regular blender and stir it back in. Adding a splash of coconut milk also creates wonderful creaminess.

→ What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

Butternut squash works wonderfully as a substitute, offering similar sweetness and texture. Regular potatoes or pumpkin are also viable alternatives, though they'll change the flavor profile slightly.

→ Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Absolutely. Soak 1 cup of dried black beans overnight, then cook until tender before adding to the soup. This typically takes 45-60 minutes of simmering. Dried beans offer better texture and are more economical.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

Start with half the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely for a mild version. For more heat, add diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables, or stir in hot sauce to taste at the end. Chipotle powder adds smoky heat.

→ What are the best toppings for this soup?

Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and avocado slices are classic choices. Crispy tortilla strips, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and diced red onion also complement the flavors beautifully.