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A bowl of creamy Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe garnished with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and chili flakes, served with a slice of crusty bread on a rustic wooden table.

Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe

This Purple Black Bean Soup is a healthy and filling dish that can easily be enjoyed throughout the year.
This protein-rich dish made with black beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices is big enough to fill any appetite without overdoing it.
This striking, rich hue of purple can be created with red cabbage or purple sweet potatoes. As it is delicious, this soup is beautiful and very easily adaptable with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Perfectly wholesome and made for sit-down comfort-food moments, this recipe is wonderful for weeknight dinners or extended meal prep, creating cozy warmth and nourishment in every bowl.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Mexican-inspired
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty purple black bean soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup dried purple black beans soaked and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 medium carrot diced
  • 1 bell pepper red or yellow, diced
  • 2 cups purple cabbage shredded
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Beans: If you’re using dried purple black beans, make sure you’ve soaked them for at least 6 hours or overnight. Rinse them well before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned purple black beans, just be sure to drain and rinse them.
  • Start the Soup Base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, carrot, and bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should soften and start to get a little color.
  • Add the Cabbage and Spices: Stir in the shredded purple cabbage, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt and the spices to become fragrant.
  • Add the Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the soaked, rinsed beans (or canned beans if you’re using them). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’re using canned beans, it will take less time to heat everything through, about 20-30 minutes.
  • Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until creamy, or transfer a portion to a regular blender and puree it. I like leaving mine a little chunky for texture, but feel free to adjust to your preference!
  • Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  1. Ingredient Substitutions:
If purple sweet potatoes aren’t available, red cabbage or even regular sweet potatoes can be used.
For extra flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder.
  1. Texture Preferences:
For a creamy texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
Leave it chunky if you prefer more bite from the beans and vegetables.
  1. Toppings:
Customize with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or crumbled tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
  1. Make-Ahead Tip:
The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  1. Freezing:
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
  1. Spice Level:
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or fresh chilies to suit your taste.
Let me know if you'd like a full recipe draft to accompany these notes!
Keyword Purple Black Bean Soup, Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe