Vegetarian Cuban Black Bean Soup

Total time1 hr 15 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time55 min

Deeply seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this hearty pot of black beans is built for cozy weeknights and easy leftovers alike. Onion, garlic, and two colors of bell pepper cook down into a sweet, aromatic base before the beans simmer until tender and the broth turns thick and velvety. A partial blend gives the soup its signature creamy-yet-chunky texture, no cream required, and a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens every spoonful. Finished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, it's the kind of bowl that tastes even better the next day. This one fits neatly into a vegetarian spread and holds its own as a satisfying, protein-packed main.

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Ingredients

6 servings

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Private Selection Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Bertolli Extra Virgin D'Italiia Olive Oil 16.9oz
Extra Virgin Olive Oil FIELD DAY OLIVE OIL EXTRA VIRGIN Olitalia Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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1 large yellow onion, finely diced
1 large green bell pepper, finely diced
1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp black pepper
3 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Chef's tip
Use the same amount of low-sodium vegetable broth. The dish will be a little lighter in flavor than with chicken broth.
1 bay leaf
1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

For serving

¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions

1
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent, about 8–10 minutes.
2
Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, turmeric, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute — watch closely so the garlic does not brown.

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