Rainy Day Smoky Black Bean Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky soup packed with protein and flavor, ideal for chilly, rainy afternoons. This vegetarian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Vegetable broth, Smoked paprika, medium, diced Onion 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 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 Vegetarian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 grated carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cans (15 oz each) drained black beans, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree half the soup until smooth, then return to the pot and stir in 1/4 cup lime juice until well combined. Simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainy Day Smoky 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 Rainy Day Smoky 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 vegetable broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rainy Day Smoky 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 Rainy Day Smoky 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 Rainy Day Smoky Black Bean Soup vegetarian?

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

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