Ina Garten’s Black Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering. Packed with protein-rich black beans, aromatic spices, and a hint of lime, this soup is comforting and easy to prepare.

What is Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup?

Black Bean Soup is a thick and hearty soup made with black beans, vegetables, and spices, simmered together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Ina Garten’s version adds her signature touch of balanced flavors and simplicity, making it both comforting and elegant.

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Reasons to Try Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup

Healthy and Filling: Loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Rich in Flavor: Features a blend of spices and aromatics for a bold taste.
Easy to Make: Comes together in one pot with minimal effort.
Versatile: Enjoy as a starter, main course, or meal prep option.

Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup

Black beans – 4 cups, cooked (or 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained)
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Yellow onion – 1 large, diced
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Carrots – 2, peeled and diced
Celery stalks – 2, diced
Red bell pepper – 1, diced
Ground cumin – 1 tsp
Chili powder – 1 tsp
Paprika – 1 tsp
Chicken or vegetable stock – 4 cups
Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
Bay leaf – 1
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Fresh lime juice – 2 tbsp
Optional toppings: Sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips

Instructions to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavors.
Add Beans and Stock: Add the black beans, chicken or vegetable stock, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
Blend for Creaminess: Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some beans and vegetables intact for texture. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
Season and Finish: Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

What Goes Well With Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup?

Cornbread: A sweet and savory side that complements the soup.
Rice or Quinoa: Adds a hearty base for a more filling meal.
Green Salad: Provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A comforting pairing for a cozy dinner.

Key Tips for Making Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup

Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cumin and chili powder enhance the soup’s flavor.
Blend to Your Liking: Adjust the blending to achieve your desired texture, from chunky to smooth.
Don’t Skip the Lime: Lime juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Prepare Ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Creative Variations of Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup

Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled sausage for extra heartiness.
Make It Vegan: Use vegetable stock and skip dairy-based toppings for a plant-based version.
Include Corn: Add fresh or frozen corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
Top with Salsa: Garnish with fresh pico de gallo or salsa for added flavor.
Make It Smoky: Use smoked paprika or add a touch of liquid smoke for a deeper flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup

Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later: Cool completely and freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat Gently: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Value

Calories: ~200 per serving (without toppings)
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fats: 6g
Fiber: 8g
Vitamin C: ~20% of the daily value
Iron: ~15% of the daily value

FAQs

Can Black Bean Soup Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, black bean soup can be made ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can You Freeze Black Bean Soup?

Yes, black bean soup freezes well. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

How Do You Thicken Black Bean Soup?

To thicken black bean soup, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender, then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, simmer the soup uncovered to reduce the liquid.

What Toppings Go Best With Black Bean Soup?

The best toppings for black bean soup include sour cream, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and a drizzle of lime juice. These toppings add flavor and texture to the dish.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Black Bean Soup is a warm, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of bold flavors. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this soup is a versatile addition to any recipe repertoire.

Try it today and enjoy the comforting taste of this hearty classic!

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