Cajun-Spiced Bell Pepper and Black Bean Soup

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-07 · Updated 2026-06-07

A hearty, smoky black bean soup enlivened with diced bell peppers and a punch of Cajun spices, perfect for a cozy meal. This American-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 large, diced red bell pepper
• 1 large, diced green bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
• optional for serving, 1/4 cup per bowl sour cream

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed black beans and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some texture. Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice.
5. Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish each with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired, then serve warm.