This black bean soup is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that can be prepared in minutes. With a rich, smoky base and fresh toppings like grape tomatoes, shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, and creamy avocado, this meal strikes a perfect balance between comfort and freshness. Served alongside crunchy baked tortilla chips, it’s a versatile meal suitable for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian option or a light, healthy meal, this black bean soup delivers on both taste and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a store-bought soup base, this meal comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, this soup provides a well-balanced, nutritious meal without the extra calories.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily switch up the toppings to suit your taste, from adding more vegetables to changing the type of cheese or protein, keeping the dish fresh and exciting every time.
- Vibrant Flavors: The combination of smoky paprika, tangy lime juice, and fresh toppings like avocado and tomatoes creates a vibrant and satisfying flavor profile.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is naturally vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan by swapping out the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
- Great Texture: From the creamy avocado to the crunchy tortilla chips, this soup offers a delightful variety of textures, making each bite interesting and enjoyable.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether you’re warming up on a cold night or looking for a light and fresh meal in warmer weather, this black bean soup is versatile and satisfying year-round.
Tips for Making the Perfect Black Bean Soup:
- Enhance Flavor with Spices: While smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness to the soup, you can also experiment with cumin or chili powder for extra depth and heat.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips: If you have extra tortillas at home, make your own baked tortilla chips by cutting tortillas into triangles, brushing them with a bit of olive oil, and baking until crispy.
- Add Protein: To make the dish heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian protein boost.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try adding a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, or pickled jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Squeezing fresh lime juice just before serving will enhance the flavors of the soup, giving it a zesty and vibrant finish.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the fresh toppings right before serving to keep them crisp.
This easy and customizable recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful yet light.
Loaded Black Bean Nacho Soup
Ingredients
- 1 18-ounce carton low-sodium black bean soup
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ cup halved grape tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese or other Mexican-style shredded cheese
- ½ medium avocado diced
- 2 ounces baked tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat the Soup: Pour the black bean soup into a small saucepan. Stir in the smoked paprika and heat the soup according to the package instructions.
- Add Lime Juice: Once the soup is heated, stir in the lime juice for a tangy kick.
- Prepare Toppings: While the soup heats, halve the grape tomatoes, dice the avocado, and shred the cabbage (if not using pre-shredded slaw mix).
- Assemble the Soup: Divide the soup into two bowls. Top each with halved grape tomatoes, shredded cabbage (or slaw mix), crumbled cotija cheese, and diced avocado.
- Serve: Enjoy the soup with baked tortilla chips on the side or crumbled on top for added crunch.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: ~300-350 kcal
- Total Fat: 16-18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 g
- Cholesterol: ~10 mg
- Sodium: ~600-700 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
- Dietary Fiber: 10-12 g
- Sugars: 4-5 g
- Protein: 10-12 g
Nutritional Breakdown:
- Black Bean Soup: Low in fat, high in fiber and protein.
- Toppings:
- Avocado: Adds healthy fats and fiber.
- Cotija Cheese: Provides protein and some saturated fat.
- Grape Tomatoes & Cabbage: Add fiber and a small amount of carbohydrates.
- Tortilla Chips: Contribute carbohydrates and a bit of fat.
Keep in mind, this is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes.