Hidden Spice Black Bean Soup with Smoky Corn
A creamy, smoky black bean soup with a hidden kick of chipotle pepper and sweet corn for a comforting bowl of goodness. This mexican-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken broth, frozen corn kernels, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each, drained and rinsed) black beans
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp minced chipotle pepper in adobo
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cans drained black beans, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp minced chipotle pepper, and 1 tsp cumin. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup frozen corn kernels and 1/4 cup coconut milk, stirring until combined. Simmer for 5 more minutes until corn is tender and soup is heated through.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lime juice. Serve hot, garnished with extra chipotle for those who want more heat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Spice Black Bean Soup with Smoky Corn 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 Hidden Spice Black Bean Soup with Smoky Corn?
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 Hidden Spice Black Bean Soup with Smoky Corn?
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 Hidden Spice Black Bean Soup with Smoky Corn 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 Hidden Spice Black Bean Soup with Smoky Corn?
Mexican 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
