If you’re looking for a comforting, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful soup that comes together in no time, you will absolutely love this Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe. Packed with the hearty goodness of black beans, the zesty punch of salsa, and a blend of warm spices, this soup is a perfect weeknight go-to that feels both satisfying and fresh. It’s a delightful way to warm your soul and nourish your body without fussing over complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe just right is all about using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that bring a burst of flavor and depth to every spoonful. Each item plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and earthy notes you want from a good soup.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics, adding a subtle richness and smooth texture to the base of the soup.
- Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when softened, giving a foundational flavor to the dish.
- Dried oregano: Brings a fragrant herbal touch that lifts the overall profile of the soup.
- Garlic powder: Provides a warm, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Ground cumin: Introduces an earthy, slightly smoky note that pairs wonderfully with black beans.
- Diced carrot (optional): Adds subtle sweetness and color, enhancing both nutrition and visual appeal.
- Diced celery (optional): Contributes a crisp, aromatic bite that balances the smoothness of the beans.
- Black beans (3 cans): The hearty star of the recipe, packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal.
- Mild salsa (1 jar): Brings tang, zest, and a hint of spice, making the soup lively and vibrant.
- Broth (1 cup): Vegetable or chicken broth adds necessary liquid and enhances flavor complexity.
How to Make Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using carrot and celery, add those now. Sauté everything for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and all those lovely aromas fill your kitchen. This initial step builds a savory base that sets the tone for the whole soup.
Step 2: Add Beans and Salsa
Next, stir in two cans of drained black beans along with the jar of mild salsa and your choice of broth. This combination adds body, tanginess, and moisture, making the soup rich and hearty. The salsa plays a key role here, giving that bright, zesty flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Step 3: Purée Beans
To create a creamy texture without adding cream, purée the remaining can of black beans in a food processor or blender. Then, fold this smooth bean mixture back into the pot. This clever step adds thickness and lusciousness to the soup while keeping it wholesome and comforting.
Step 4: Simmer
Allow your soup to simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to meld beautifully together, deepening the taste and bringing out the full character of the spices, beans, and salsa. Your kitchen will smell irresistible right about now!
Step 5: Serve
Once simmered, it’s time to ladle into bowls and enjoy. This soup is already packed with flavor but feels effortlessly homemade and nourishing.
How to Serve Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup with fresh, contrasting textures and flavors. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang, while a sprinkle of chopped cilantro brings freshness. You could also top it with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips for an extra delightful bite.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple side dishes like warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. A crisp green salad or a bowl of tortilla chips also makes a fantastic accompaniment, balancing the hearty soup with lightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe in colorful bowls or mason jars for a fun twist, especially if you’re entertaining. Layering toppings in clear glass gives an Instagram-worthy presentation, and adding a lime wedge on the side invites guests to add a bright citrus pop to their own bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will actually develop and intensify, making it even tastier the next day — perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal batch-cooking option. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Just remember to leave a little space for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use homemade salsa for this soup?
Absolutely! Homemade salsa can add a fresh, personalized touch to the soup. Just choose a mild salsa to keep the balance right or adjust spices to your taste accordingly.
Is this soup vegan and vegetarian friendly?
Yes, it can be easily vegan or vegetarian by using vegetable broth. The recipe itself contains no animal products otherwise, so it suits both diets very well.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition. Just add them early when sautéing to allow them to soften properly.
How spicy is this Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe?
It’s generally mild thanks to the mild salsa, but you can adjust spice by choosing a spicier salsa or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño if you like a bit of heat.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients except the puréed beans in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the puréed beans in the last 30 minutes to thicken the soup nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe has all the hallmarks of a beloved classic—simple preparation, accessible ingredients, and bursting flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner fix or a meal to impress friends without a lot of fuss, this soup fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished part of your regular recipe rotation.
Print
Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Black Bean Salsa Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines black beans, salsa, and aromatic spices for a quick and nutritious meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and serves six people, offering a comforting bowl of healthy, protein-rich soup with optional vegetables for added texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ cup diced carrot (optional)
- 1 rib celery, diced (optional)
- 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained
- 1 (15-16 ounce) jar mild salsa
- 1 cup broth (vegetable or chicken)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, dried oregano, garlic powder, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. If using, add the diced carrot and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and the vegetables become fragrant.
- Add Beans and Salsa: Stir in 2 cans of drained black beans, the jar of mild salsa, and 1 cup of broth to the pot. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Purée Beans: Take the remaining can of drained black beans and purée them in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add the puréed beans back into the soup pot to create a thicker, creamier texture.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, substitute mild salsa with medium or hot salsa.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, purée only half of the third can of black beans.
- The carrot and celery are optional but add extra nutrition and texture.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version and chicken broth for added richness.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
