Oz-Style Black Bean Soup

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

A comforting bowl of deep black beans with vibrant color-topped garnishes, inspired by the contrast between The Wizard of Oz's black-and-white and color sequences. This american comfort-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs black beans, chicken broth, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 35 min Serves 4 American Comfort cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat; add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/2 cup diced carrots. Sauté for 8 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp cumin, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups rinsed black beans and 3 cups chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes until beans are very tender.
  4. Step 4: Ladle into bowls, top with 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 diced avocado, and 2 tbsp fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oz-Style Black Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Oz-Style 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 black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oz-Style 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 Oz-Style 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 Oz-Style Black Bean Soup vegan?

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

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