Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup is a delightful bowl of goodness that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds! The combination of sweet and creamy roasted sweet potatoes with hearty black beans creates a fabulous harmony of flavors that is just irresistible. Its vibrant orange hue, speckled with black beans, makes for an inviting dish perfect for chilly evenings, gatherings with friends, or even a cozy solo night in.
When you take a sip, you’ll experience the warmth of spices and the comforting richness of the sweet potatoes. Each bite is a celebration of texture and taste that can brighten any meal. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients you need, how to prepare this simple dish, and ways to serve it. Plus, we’ll share tips to store leftovers so you can enjoy this soup anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh ingredients make this soup flavorful and healthy.
- Quick and easy preparation means you can whip it up in no time!
- Packed with nutrients, it’s a great dish to nourish your body.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or alongside a salad.
- The stunning presentation will impress family and friends.
You’ll find it’s a dish full of love and flavor!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and creamy when roasted, making them the star of the soup. To prepare, simply peel and cube two large sweet potatoes. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use butternut squash. Be sure to roast them until they are tender and caramelized for the best flavor.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps with caramelization, enhancing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Use three tablespoons for this recipe. If you’re looking for an alternative, avocado oil works too. Use caution to avoid burning the oil when roasting.
Onion
A medium chopped onion adds depth and gentle sweetness to the soup. Simply dice it before cooking. If you’re looking for an alternative, shallots can also work well, adding a milder flavor. Pay attention while sautéing to avoid browning too much.
Garlic
Using three minced cloves elevates the soup with warmth and aroma. If you’re looking for an alternative, garlic powder can suffice. Be careful not to burn the garlic during cooking, as it can turn bitter.
Ground Cumin
This spice adds earthy warmth to the soup with one and a half teaspoons. Toasting the cumin slightly before adding it enhances its flavor. If you’re looking for an alternative, coriander can offer a different but pleasant taste.
Black Beans
Two cans of drained and rinsed black beans provide hearty protein. They are perfect for adding texture. If you’re looking for an alternative, kidney beans can be used as well.
Vegetable Broth
Four cups of vegetable broth form the soup base, providing a rich flavor. Opt for either homemade or store-bought. If you’re looking for an alternative, chicken broth can be used for non-vegetarians.
Salt and Black Pepper
A teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper bring all the flavors together. Adjust seasoning to your liking. If you’re looking for an alternative to enhance the soup, try smoked salt or cayenne pepper.
Lime Juice (Optional)
One tablespoon of lime juice brightens the soup at the end, adding a fresh touch. If you’re looking for an alternative, lemon juice can provide a similar brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This one-pan recipe is incredibly easy to follow and perfect for busy weeknights.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help caramelize your sweet potatoes perfectly.
Step 2: Roast Sweet Potatoes
Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 25-30 minutes, or until fork-tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until they become translucent. This step is crucial as it builds its flavor base.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This will infuse your soup with delicious aromas.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the roasted sweet potatoes into the pot, then pour in the vegetable broth and black beans. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Blend for Creaminess
Once simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier soup, blend it less. The smoothness adds creaminess that is delightful.
Step 7: Final Touches
After blending, stir in the lime juice for that zesty finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for color and texture.
- Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Portions: This recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Beverage Pairing: A light, crisp white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
Enjoy serving this heartwarming meal!
Additional Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Customize your soup by adding different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Consider topping the soup with yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
- Different Beans: Swap black beans for chickpeas or pinto beans for a different texture.
Freezing and Storage
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- For freezing, cool the soup completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers, where it will last for up to 3 months.
Special Equipment
- Baking sheet for roasting.
- Large pot for cooking.
- Immersion blender for pureeing.
- Knife and chopping board for preparation.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen sweet potatoes? Frozen sweet potatoes can work, just ensure they’re cooked through before blending.
- Is this soup vegan? Yes, it’s completely plant-based and suitable for vegans.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day.
- Can I customize this recipe? Yes! Feel free to add or replace ingredients with what you have on hand.
- Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Conclusion
Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup is more than just a meal – it’s a hug in a bowl! With its nourishing ingredients, fantastic flavors, and stunning presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion. You can whip up this delicious soup easily, making it a go-to recipe. So gather your ingredients and get cooking; your taste buds will thank you!
Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes Peeled and cubed; can substitute with butternut squash.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil; use caution to avoid burning.
- 1 medium onion Chopped; can substitute with shallots.
- 3 cloves garlic Minced; can substitute with garlic powder.
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin Toasting enhances flavor; can substitute with coriander.
- 2 cans black beans Drained and rinsed; can substitute with kidney beans.
- 4 cups vegetable broth Can use chicken broth for non-vegetarians.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice Optional; can substitute with lemon juice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roasting Sweet Potatoes
- Roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes, or until fork-tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
Add Garlic and Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
- Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Blend for Creaminess
- Once simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Final Touches
- After blending, stir in the lime juice for a zesty finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
