Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe

This Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe is packed with rich, deep flavors and a gorgeous pop of color from the shredded purple cabbage. It’s cozy, nourishing, and full of hearty, plant-based goodness. With warming cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of turmeric, every spoonful is loaded with bold, earthy flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious, and comforting soup that’s both vibrant and delicious, this is the one to make!

Enhance your meal with our baked beans recipe as a side, and don’t forget to end on a sweet note with the mini cheesecake recipe for dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe : Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe

• Deep, Rich Flavor – The combination of spices, beans, and slow simmering creates a broth that’s incredibly flavorful.
• Super Nourishing – Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – A perfect, plant-based meal that everyone can enjoy.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully!

Ingredients

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to make this flavorful, nutrient-packed soup:

• Dried Black Beans (or Canned, Drained & Rinsed) – The hearty, protein-rich base of the soup.
• Onion (Chopped) – Adds depth and natural sweetness.
• Garlic (Minced) – Because garlic makes everything better.
• Carrot (Peeled & Diced) – A touch of natural sweetness and texture.
• Celery (Chopped) – Enhances the soup’s savory depth.
• Purple Cabbage (Shredded) – Adds a vibrant color and subtle crunch.
• Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and bringing out their flavors.
• Cumin – Brings a warm, earthy depth.
• Smoked Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness.
• Ground Turmeric – Provides a subtle warmth and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Vegetable Broth – Creates a rich, flavorful base.
• Diced Tomatoes (Fresh or Canned) – Adds a touch of acidity and balance.
• Bay Leaf – Infuses the soup with a subtle aromatic depth.
• Salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro (For Garnish) – A bright, herby finishing touch.
• Lime Juice – A splash of citrus to bring everything together.

👉 Note: The exact ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!

How to Make Purple Black Bean Soup

Step 1: Prep the Beans

• If using dried black beans, rinse and soak them overnight, then drain before cooking.
• If using canned beans, drain and rinse thoroughly before use.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Purple Cabbage

Stir in the shredded purple cabbage and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Stir and cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and black beans. Mix well and slowly bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Let It Cook

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 7: Season & Finish

Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Sample the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lime juice for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• For Creamier Soup – Blend half of the soup for a silky-smooth texture while keeping some beans whole.
• Want More Protein? – Add cooked quinoa or lentils to make it even more hearty.
• For extra heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Make It Extra Smoky – Swap regular paprika for chipotle powder for a deeper, smoky flavor.

How to Serve

This Purple Black Bean Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some fun serving ideas:

• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
• With Tortilla Chips – Adds a little crunch to every bite.
• Topped with Avocado – A creamy, cooling contrast to the bold flavors.
• With Rice – Turn it into a heartier meal by serving it over steamed rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Simply:

1. Let the soup cool completely.
2. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
3. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs About Purple Black Bean Soup

Here are answers to common questions about preparing, customizing, and storing purple black bean soup.

Can It Be Made Vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan when made with vegetable broth and plant-based toppings. Garnishes like avocado, coconut milk, or vegan sour cream enhance the flavors without compromising dietary preferences.

Can I Use Canned Beans?

Absolutely! Canned black beans are a convenient option and work perfectly in this recipe. Simply drain and rinse them before adding to the soup to reduce excess sodium and improve flavor.

Can I Freeze Purple Black Bean Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well:

1. Before Freezing: Let the soup cool completely.
2. Storage: Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy reheating.
3. Thawing and Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How Can I Make It Spicier?

To add more heat, try the following:

• Include diced jalapeños or red chili peppers when sautéing the vegetables.
• Add a teaspoon of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot paprika.
• Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the soup before serving.

Can I Add Meat to This Soup?

Yes, you can add cooked or shredded meat for a heartier meal:

1. Chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken.
2. Beef: Include cooked ground beef or steak strips for a robust flavor.
3. Sausage: Stir in sliced andouille or chorizo for a smoky, spicy kick.

How Can I Adjust the Thickness?

1. Thicker Soup: Blend more of the soup or mash some of the beans directly in the pot.
2. Thinner Soup: Add more vegetable broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Purple black bean soup is a stunning and nutritious dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Its vibrant color, hearty texture, and customizable nature make it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

Whether you enjoy it as a vegan-friendly soup or add your favorite proteins for a heartier meal, this recipe offers endless versatility. With simple ingredients, a straightforward process, and plenty of serving options, you’ll find yourself coming back to this comforting soup time and time again.

So why not give this purple black bean soup recipe a try? It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, offering both nutrition and indulgence in every bowl. Serve it with your favorite garnishes and sides, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious, wholesome meal.

Complete your meal with a delicious baked beans recipe or add a sweet ending with this easy mini cheesecake recipe.

Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe

This vibrant and flavorful purple black bean soup is packed with rich spices, hearty black beans, and nutritious purple sweet potatoes, making it a perfect healthy and comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Latin American, Vegetarian, Vegetarian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

• For the Soup:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 carrot chopped
• 1 celery stalk chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups black beans cooked (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 small purple sweet potato diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional Garnishes:
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1/2 lime juiced
• 1/4 cup avocado diced
• 1 tbsp sour cream or dairy-free alternative

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
• Step 2: Add the Spices
• Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
• Cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
• Step 3: Simmer the Soup
• Add black beans, purple sweet potatoes, and vegetable broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Step 4: Blend for a Creamy Texture (Optional)
• For a creamy soup, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender.
• For a chunky texture, leave the soup as is.
• Step 5: Season & Serve
• Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, avocado, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Want more protein? Add shredded chicken or quinoa.
For a spicier kick, add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword purple black bean soup recipe, black bean soup, healthy vegan soup, purple sweet potato recipes, plant-based soup.