Mexican Style Black Bean Soup | Frugal Cooking | Fast and Easy | Delicious

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Lentils are lower in calories and pinto beans are often less expensive.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water

Homemade stock can be healthier and water is a cost-effective base.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: banana pepper

Bell peppers are milder and banana peppers are usually less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is often cheaper.

In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, chipotle pepper, stock, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Using an immersion blender, blend part of the soup to thicken it slightly while leaving some beans whole for texture. (Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.)

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary