Garcia's Spicy Black Bean Soup

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

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.

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