Brown's Smoky Black Bean & Corn Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky-sweet soup with protein-packed black beans, sweet corn, and a hint of cumin, simmered to perfection in 30 minutes. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (finely diced) onion, (minced) garlic, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, 2 drained black bean cans, 1 cup corn, and 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and corn is tender.
  5. Step 5: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup until creamy but still retaining bean texture (or blend half the soup, then return to pot).
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, then adjust salt and lime to taste. Simmer for 2 more minutes to warm through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brown's Smoky Black Bean & Corn Soup take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Brown's Smoky Black Bean & Corn 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 (finely diced) onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brown's Smoky Black Bean & Corn 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 Brown's Smoky Black Bean & Corn 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 Brown's Smoky Black Bean & Corn Soup vegetarian?

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

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