Daniel Fast Black Bean Soup with Avocado & Lime
A hearty, flavorful, and nutritious black bean soup topped with creamy avocado and zesty lime, perfect for the Daniel Fast and beyond.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Can substitute with garlic powder if allergies exist.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked black beans)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, no salt added (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt Adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for added spice.
Garnishes
- 1-2 ripe avocados, sliced or diced For topping.
- 2 limes, cut into wedges For topping.
- Fresh cilantro leaves Optional for garnish.
- Diced fresh tomatoes or jalapeño Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic to ensure a robust flavor. Preparing your ingredients first makes the cooking process smoother and more organized.
Cooking
- Add olive oil to a large soup pot and warm over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the base is sautéed, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds.
- Fold in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. If using a bay leaf, add it now. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree half the soup directly in the pot or blend a few cups and stir back in.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with lime juice or salt.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge. Add diced tomatoes or jalapeños if desired.
Notes
This soup is not only nourishing but also customizable with additional toppings, spices, or vegetables. Ideal for cold nights or meal prep.