Welcome to the heart of comfort cuisine with our Slow Cooker Spicy Black Bean Soup. This delightful dish is perfect for gathering the family around the table, especially on a chilly evening. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, effortlessly brought together in your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is not just about feeding your loved ones but creating memories from the shared experience of cooking and enjoying a meal together. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure that promises warmth, spice, and a touch of love in every spoonful.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried black beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream for garnish
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the rinsed black beans, chopped red bell pepper, diced tomatoes with green chilies, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat.
- Let the soup cook for 6-8 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly, if desired, to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Ladle the hot, hearty soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with crispy tortilla chips on the side.
Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them, then simply add everything to the slow cooker in the morning.
- Heat Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. For a mild version, omit the cayenne pepper.
- Consistency: For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have dried black beans, you can use canned black beans (approx. 3 cans, drained and rinsed). Adjust the cooking time to 3-4 hours on low.
Pairings
This Slow Cooker Spicy Black Bean Soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a simple avocado lime salad. For drinks, consider a refreshing homemade lemonade or a glass of chilled white wine.
We hope this Slow Cooker Spicy Black Bean Soup brings warmth and joy to your table. We’d love to see your creations, so don’t forget to share pictures using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. Your feedback is always valued, so please leave a review on our website at Zynahz. For more tasty recipes and updates, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Happy cooking, and cherish every moment spent in the kitchen with your loved ones!
