Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup (Printable)

Hearty sweet potato and black bean soup with aromatic spices, ready in 45 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 stalk celery, diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Legumes

07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garnishes

18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Lime wedges
20 - Sliced avocado

# How to Prepare:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in sweet potatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often to coat vegetables.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
06 - Add drained black beans, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Remove bay leaf. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
08 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced avocado.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It fills your kitchen with a smoky aroma that makes everyone wander in to ask what is for dinner.
  • The texture is a perfect balance between chunky vegetables and a naturally creamy base.
02 -
  • Adding the beans too early can make them mushy before the potatoes are actually done.
  • Canned tomatoes vary in saltiness so always taste before you add that final pinch of salt.
03 -
  • Let the soup sit for ten minutes after cooking to allow the spices to fully develop.
  • Always zest the lime before you juice it to use every bit of that bright flavor.
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