Garcia's Spicy Black Bean Soup
A hearty vegan soup packed with protein-rich black beans, smoky chipotle, and fresh corn for a vibrant, flavorful bowl. This mexican-inspired soups (vegan, high protein) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken broth, (14 oz) diced tomatoes, frozen corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each, drained and rinsed) black beans
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 finely diced white onion
- 3 minced cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 juiced lime
- 1 sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in drained black beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Ladle into bowls, top with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garcia's Spicy 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 Garcia's Spicy 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 chicken broth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garcia's Spicy 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 Garcia's Spicy 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 Garcia's Spicy Black Bean Soup vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.