A Hearty and Healthy Dish for Every Occasion

Purple black bean soup is a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal that can easily become your go-to comfort food. This recipe offers a vibrant twist on the traditional black bean soup, using purple black beans to bring a slightly sweet, earthy flavor to the dish. Whether you’re looking for a vegan-friendly meal, a protein-packed option, or simply something new to try, this soup checks all the boxes.

What Are Purple Black Beans Soup?

Purple black beans are a nutrient powerhouse, offering a rich flavor profile and excellent texture for soups. They hold their shape well, with a firmer texture than traditional black beans. These beans are also high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them a fantastic addition to any meal.

Health Benefits of Purple Black Beans

Aside from their unique flavor, purple black beans support heart health, aid digestion, and help regulate blood sugar levels. With their high fiber content, they keep you feeling full longer, making them an excellent option for a filling, healthy soup.

Why Make Purple Black Bean Soup?

This purple black bean soup recipe is perfect for any season. It’s simple to make, highly adaptable, and filled with flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether served for lunch or dinner, it’s a satisfying dish packed with essential nutrients.

Customizing the Soup

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, from adding extra vegetables to adjusting the spice level. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a creamier texture, this soup can be tailored to your liking.

What Are Purple Black Beans ?

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the unique characteristics of purple black beans. These beans are a variety of black soybeans or heirloom beans and are known for their vibrant purple hue, which comes from the anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant found in foods like blueberries, eggplants, and purple cabbage. The anthocyanins not only give the beans their deep color but also provide several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Nutritional Benefits of Purple Black Beans Soup recipe

Purple black beans are packed with essential nutrients, making them a perfect addition to your diet. Here are some key benefits:

High in Protein: Purple black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein. This makes them ideal for vegetarians and vegans who need to incorporate protein into their meals.
Rich in Fiber: One of the standout features of purple black beans is their high fiber content, which supports digestive health, helps control blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer.
Antioxidant-Rich: Anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give purple black beans their color, are known to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This contributes to better overall health and can even reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.
Good for Heart Health: The fiber and antioxidants found in purple black beans help reduce cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Supports Weight Loss: Thanks to their high fiber and protein content, purple black beans help regulate hunger and promote feelings of fullness, which can assist in weight management.

Purple black beans are also low in fat, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious soup. Unlike many other beans, they don’t have an overly starchy texture, which makes them perfect for blending into soups and stews without becoming too mushy.

How to Select the Best Purple Black Beans Recipe

When it comes to selecting the best purple black beans for your soup, there are a few things to consider. While purple black beans are not as commonly found as other varieties, they can be purchased from health food stores or online retailers. When shopping for dried beans, follow these tips to ensure you’re getting the highest quality:

Look for whole beans: When selecting dried purple black beans, choose those that are whole, firm, and free from cracks or blemishes. Avoid beans with broken skins or beans that appear shriveled.
Check for freshness: Dried beans are best when they’re fresh. Over time, beans can lose moisture, which makes them take longer to cook and can affect their flavor. If possible, buy beans from a store with high turnover to ensure you’re getting fresh stock.
Go organic: If you’re concerned about pesticides or GMOs, opt for organic purple black beans. While not always necessary, organic beans offer peace of mind for those who want to avoid chemicals in their food.
Canned beans: If you’re short on time, canned purple black beans are an excellent substitute. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the soup to remove excess salt.

Where to Buy Purple Black Beans

You can find purple black beans in health food stores, some large grocery stores, or specialty markets. For the most reliable sources, check out online retailers such as Amazon or specialty bean suppliers like Rancho Gordo. Organic food stores may also carry purple black beans, especially in areas where plant-based eating is more popular. If you can’t find purple black beans specifically, black soybeans can be used as a substitute.

Ingredients for Purple Black Bean Soup

The purple black bean soup recipe is simple, yet it’s packed with delicious flavors. The ingredients are straightforward, but you can also get creative with them to suit your preferences. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

Main Ingredients

Purple black beans (dried or canned): You’ll need about 2 cups of dried beans, or you can use 2 cans (15 oz each) of purple black beans if you’re short on time. If you’re using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight to cut down on cooking time.
Vegetable broth: 6 cups of vegetable broth provide a rich base for the soup. You can also use chicken broth for added depth of flavor if you’re not vegan.
Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds acidity and balances the soup’s flavors. Fresh tomatoes can be used if you prefer, but canned tomatoes are more convenient and give a smoother texture.
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and enhancing the soup’s richness.
Onion: One medium onion, chopped, provides a savory foundation for the soup.
Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced, for added flavor and aroma.
Carrot and celery: Both vegetables add sweetness and texture to the soup, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Spices: Cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder are essential for giving the soup depth and warmth. You can adjust these spices based on your preference for heat.
Salt and pepper: To taste, but remember to taste and adjust as the soup cooks.

Optional Add-Ins

Fresh cilantro or parsley: Garnish the soup with fresh herbs to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Lime: Squeeze some lime juice into the soup just before serving for a refreshing, tangy finish.
Hot sauce: If you like your soup spicy, add some hot sauce to taste.
Meat: If you prefer a non-vegan soup, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to make the soup even heartier.
Other Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, you can add sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Purple black beans can be purchased at most health food stores or online. If you can’t find them, black soybeans can be a good substitute. However, you might lose the vibrant color, and the texture may differ slightly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Purple Black Bean Soup

Making purple black bean soup is easy, and the process is relatively quick, especially if you use canned beans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

If you’re using dried beans, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any debris. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight, which will help them cook faster and become more tender.

If you don’t have time to soak the beans, you can perform a quick soak. Bring the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat and let the beans sit for 1 hour before draining. If you’re using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should begin to soften and release their natural flavors.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth

Once the vegetables are softened, add your soaked beans (or canned beans) to the pot. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to an hour (longer if using dried beans), stirring occasionally.

If you’re using canned beans, the soup may be ready in 30-45 minutes, but you can let it simmer longer for added depth of flavor.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Once the beans are tender, add your spices: cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer 2-3 cups of soup to a blender and puree before returning it to the pot. This step is optional, as some people prefer their soups chunky.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty finish. For extra heat, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce. Serve with a side of cornbread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations for Purple Black Bean Soup

This purple black bean soup recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some variations to try:

Spicy Purple Black Bean Soup: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the soup for an extra kick of heat.
Creamy Purple Black Bean Soup: After blending part of the soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream to make the soup extra creamy.
Add Greens: For added nutrition, throw in a handful of spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Make It Smoky: For a smokier flavor, add a couple of drops of liquid smoke or use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

These variations ensure that you can enjoy different flavor profiles with the same basic soup base.

How to Store and Reheat Purple Black Bean Soup

Storing Leftovers

Purple black bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to improve after a day or two, so this soup is even better as leftovers!

Freezing Purple Black Bean Soup

This soup freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store some for later. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do black beans turn purple?
The deep purple color in black beans comes from anthocyanins, natural pigments that act as antioxidants. They give the beans their vibrant hue and provide health benefits like reducing inflammation.

Do you need to soak black beans before making soup?
Soaking black beans isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest. If you’re using canned beans, they don’t require soaking.

How do you get rid of the bitter taste in black bean soup?
To remove bitterness, add a little sweetness by incorporating honey, sugar, or a splash of apple cider vinegar. Some people also suggest using a small amount of cocoa powder to mellow out the flavors.

What is the white stuff in Goya black bean soup?
The white foam that appears in canned black bean soup is simply starch released from the beans during cooking. It’s harmless and can be skimmed off if desired.

Conclusion

Purple black bean soup is a delicious, healthy dish that packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition. With its rich color, heartiness, and the amazing benefits of purple black beans, it’s a perfect addition to any meal rotation. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using shortcuts, this soup is easy to prepare and adaptable to your tastes. Try this purple black bean soup recipe today, and enjoy a filling, nutritious meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.

Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe | Healthy & Delicious