Cumin-Spiced Corn Black Bean Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-rich soup with sweet corn and earthy cumin, perfect for chilly evenings. This mexican-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 245 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 245 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add 1 diced onion, and cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups corn kernels, 1 can drained black beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 tsp ground cumin, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and corn is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Corn Black Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Cumin-Spiced Corn 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Corn 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 Cumin-Spiced Corn 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.

Is Cumin-Spiced Corn Black Bean Soup vegetarian?

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

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