Sofrito-Infused Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful soup featuring a traditional Puerto Rican sofrito base, slow-simmered black beans, and a subtle smoky kick from paprika. This puerto rican-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, finely diced (1 tbsp) jalapeño pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 305 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: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 305 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 cup finely diced yellow onion and 1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp finely diced jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes until flavors meld. Serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sofrito-Infused Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Sofrito-Infused Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika?

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 Sofrito-Infused Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika?

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 Sofrito-Infused Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika 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 Sofrito-Infused Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika 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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