Rainy Day Smoky Black Bean Soup
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.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Black beans (canned, drained)
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 1, grated Carrot
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1, juiced Lime
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.