Battery-Cell Black Bean Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-packed soup with smoky chipotle and tender black beans—simmered to velvety smoothness in under 30 minutes. This mexican-inspired soups (vegetarian, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (15 oz) drained Black beans, Chicken broth, (14.5 oz) undrained Diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Stir in minced chipotle pepper, cumin, and salt, cooking for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add drained black beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and beans are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, blend half the soup with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer 1 cup to a blender), then return to pot and stir in chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Battery-Cell Black Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Battery-Cell Black Bean Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (15 oz) drained black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Battery-Cell Black Bean Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Battery-Cell Black Bean Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Battery-Cell Black Bean Soup vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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