Golden Corn and Black Bean Soup

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

A hearty, golden-hued soup featuring sweet corn, protein-rich black beans, and a hint of cumin for warmth. This mexican-inspired soups (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 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. Add 1 diced medium onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup cornstarch and cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in 4 cups vegetable broth until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups corn kernels, 1 can drained black beans, 1/2 cup diced carrots, and 1/2 cup diced celery. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with optional fresh cilantro garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Golden Corn and Black Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Golden Corn and 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 Golden Corn and 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 Golden Corn and 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 Golden Corn and Black Bean Soup vegetarian?

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

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