Bean of the Week: Black Bean Chipotle Soup

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

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

chipotle peppers

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika provides a similar smoky flavor with less heat.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Homemade broth can be lower in sodium and more flavorful.

avocado

🥗Healthier: sliced cucumber

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Sour cream adds creaminess at a lower cost.

Cook 1 pound of black beans for about 3 hours until thick and not watery.

Chop 2 cups of onions and cook them in a skillet for about 10 minutes until caramelized.

Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the onions and cook for another minute.

Add chopped carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 10 minutes.

Add a couple of tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover it to speed up cooking.

Squeeze juice from 2 oranges to get 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice.

Add the cooked vegetables to the black beans.

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for about 15 minutes before reducing to a simmer.

Season the soup with canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, based on availability.

Simmer the soup until all ingredients are well combined and flavors meld.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary