Creamy Smoked Paprika Black Bean Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful, velvety soup with a hint of smokiness, featuring tender black beans simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained black beans, chicken or vegetable broth, (14.5 oz) 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 finely diced medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp cumin, cooking for 30 seconds until spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup each diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree half the soup until smooth, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 tsp salt, cooking for 2 minutes until the soup is heated through and the cream is fully incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Smoked Paprika Black Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Creamy Smoked Paprika 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 Creamy Smoked Paprika 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 Creamy Smoked Paprika Black Bean Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

What goes well with Creamy Smoked Paprika Black Bean Soup?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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