Slow-Simmered Corn and Black Bean Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, vegetable-packed soup with smoky black beans and sweet corn, simmered to perfection. This mexican-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped jalapeño pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can rinsed and drained black beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup corn kernels, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Corn and Black Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered Corn and 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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