Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup brings together comforting and vibrant flavors that nourish both body and soul. Rich with tender sweet potatoes and hearty black beans, accented by smoky chipotle peppers and fresh lime, it makes for a filling and satisfying meal any time of year. It’s straightforward to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests or enjoy as a warming weeknight dinner.

I first made this soup on a chilly fall evening and was hooked by how the chipotle adds just enough smoky depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Since then, my family has requested it regularly especially as a meal that warms us from the inside out.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds richness opt for extra virgin for flavor
• Onion: builds aroma and sweetness foundation of many soups choose firm and dry
• Garlic: offers pungent warmth and complexity fresh cloves are best
• Celery and carrot: create a subtle vegetable depth look for vibrant crisp stalks and firm carrots
• Sweet potatoes: the star of the dish contributing natural sweetness and creamy texture select firm brightly colored orange sweet potatoes
• Frozen corn: adds bursts of sweetness and interest no need to thaw before adding
• Black beans: supply protein and fiber canned beans are a convenient choice rinse them to reduce sodium
• Vegetable stock: forms the flavorful liquid base use low sodium to control saltiness
• Chipotle pepper and adobo sauce: deliver smoky heat and bold flavor adjust the amount to taste or substitute with smoked paprika for less heat
• Cumin: warms the palate and amplifies earthiness
• Salt and black pepper: balance and enhance all the flavors
• Lime juice: provides acidity and freshness to finish
• Fresh cilantro: adds herbaceous brightness as garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

In a large pot warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion minced garlic diced carrot and celery. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook these vegetables slowly for approximately five minutes stirring occasionally. This gentle cooking softens them and draws out their natural sweetness which forms the flavorful base of the soup.

Add Main Ingredients:

Carefully add the cubed sweet potatoes rinsed and drained black beans frozen corn vegetable stock diced chipotle pepper and adobo sauce to the pot. Sprinkle in the cumin salt and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly so that all components are evenly distributed and begin melding flavors.

Simmer the Soup:

Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering reduce the heat if necessary to maintain a steady low bubble. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. This simmering stage allows the flavors to combine beautifully and the soup to thicken slightly.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the pot from heat once the sweet potatoes are cooked through. Squeeze the juice of one fresh lime into the soup and stir well to brighten and balance the rich flavors. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with additional lime wedges on the side for those who want an extra zing.

Once I served this during a family dinner on a rainy evening and the comforting aromas instantly brought everyone together around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave adding a splash of water or stock if needed to restore the desired consistency. This soup also freezes well.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find chipotle peppers smoked paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper works nicely to replicate the smoky heat. You may substitute fresh corn with canned or frozen roasted corn for added flavor. Sweet potatoes can be swapped with butternut squash for a slightly different sweetness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty whole grain bread or tortilla chips for dipping. It also pairs well with a simple green salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette to keep the meal light and refreshing.

This soup is a perfect blend of flavors that warms the soul while being healthy and easy to prepare. It’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What vegetables are used in this soup?

Onion, garlic, celery, carrot, sweet potatoes, and frozen corn are sautéed and simmered to build a rich flavor base.

→ How is the smoky flavor achieved?

The smoky taste comes from diced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, which add depth and a mild heat.

→ Can I make this soup vegan-friendly?

Yes, this soup uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegan diets.

→ What garnishes enhance the soup’s flavor?

Chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice provide fresh brightness and balance to the hearty soup.

→ How long should the soup simmer?

Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender to achieve the ideal texture.