Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort wash over me whenever I think about Instant Pot Black Bean Soup. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a steaming bowl of hearty soup, especially on a chilly winter evening. Just the other night, after a long day, I decided to whip up this easy yet delicious recipe. The aroma wafted through my kitchen, drawing in my family like a cozy hug. It’s one of those dishes that not only warms your body but also lifts your spirits. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a bit of that during the cold months?

Every time I make Instant Pot Black Bean Soup, I’m reminded of the simple joys of cooking. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the earthy scent of the spices, and the satisfying sound of the soup bubbling away in the pot create an ambiance that feels like home. This soup is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or just a quiet moment with a good book. Grab your Instant Pot and let’s dive into this wholesome recipe!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
250 kcal
Protein:
15 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free
Fat:
4 g
Tools Used:
Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Easy and Convenient

One of the best things about Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is its convenience. With the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time. There’s no need to babysit the stove or worry about timing. Just set it, forget it, and let the magic happen!

Nutritious and Hearty

This soup is packed with nutrition. Black beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. Plus, the addition of fresh veggies boosts the vitamins and minerals, leaving you feeling great after every bowl.

Flavorful and Versatile

With the combination of spices like cumin and smoked paprika, Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is bursting with flavor. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste—add more heat with jalapeños or top it with your favorite garnishes like avocado and cilantro.

Budget-Friendly

Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. This soup uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Black beans, carrots, and onions are budget-friendly staples that make this dish both economical and delicious.

Family-Friendly

This soup is a hit with everyone in the family. It’s mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults. You can even let each person customize their bowl with toppings, making it a fun, interactive meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Another reason to love Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is that it stores well. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It keeps beautifully in the fridge and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

What You Need for Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

The ingredients for Instant Pot Black Bean Soup are not only wholesome but also work harmoniously together to create a delightful dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the earthy black beans to the aromatic spices. Let’s explore the key players:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sautĂ© the vegetables.
  • 1 medium yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 1 large red bell pepper: Adds color and a slightly sweet taste.
  • 2 large carrots: Contributes natural sweetness and texture.
  • 2 small jalapeño peppers: Provides a kick of heat.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
  • 2 cups water: Forms the base of the soup.
  • 1 pound dried black beans: The star ingredient, providing protein and fiber.
  • 1 dried bay leaf: Adds subtle flavor during cooking.
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock: Deepens the soup’s flavor.
  • 2 small limes: Adds brightness with zest and juice.
  • ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
  • Fresh minced cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, fresh limes, etc., for serving: These toppings elevate the soup and provide a variety of textures and flavors.

Instructions for Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Making Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is as simple as it is satisfying. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish. Follow along and enjoy the process!

  1. Turn your Instant Pot to the sautĂ© setting. Once it’s heated, add olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. As the oil heats, you’ll notice a delightful aroma starting to fill the kitchen.
  2. Add in the minced onion, bell pepper, chopped carrots, and diced jalapeño. Sauté these vegetables for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the other veggies soften. Keep stirring to prevent sticking and to allow all those wonderful flavors to meld.
  3. Once the vegetables are softened, add in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for another minute until the spices become fragrant. This step is crucial as it helps release the flavors.
  4. Hit cancel to stop the sauté function. Now, pour in 2 cups of water and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is important to avoid a burn notice when cooking under pressure.
  5. Add the rinsed black beans, low-sodium chicken stock, and bay leaf. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients well.
  6. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring that the vent knob is set to sealed. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 30 minutes on high pressure.
  7. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes. This helps the soup develop even more flavor.
  8. Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the pot and remove the bay leaf, discarding it. Transfer about 3 cups of the cooked soup to a blender or food processor.
  9. Blend the soup on low speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure to leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. This step creates a lovely texture.
  10. Stir the pureed beans back into the pot with the remaining soup, then add the zest and juice of the limes along with salt. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The lime adds a refreshing brightness that balances the dish beautifully.
  11. Serve your Instant Pot Black Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, cheese, avocado, and any other toppings you desire. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

  • Soaking Beans: Though not necessary with the Instant Pot, soaking black beans can reduce cooking time and aid digestion.
  • Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to add more jalapeños if you like your soup spicier. You can also use hot sauce as a garnish.
  • Thicker Soup: For a thicker consistency, blend more of the soup or use less liquid.
  • Storage Life: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Helpful Notes about Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

As we prepare to enjoy Instant Pot Black Bean Soup, here are some helpful tips to ensure the best experience.

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just reheat before serving.
  • Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this soup! It freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Garnishing: Experiment with different toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla strips for added flavor and texture.
  • Serving Size: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.

Serve This Instant Pot Black Bean Soup With

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Black Bean Soup, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas:

  • Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
  • Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a heartier meal.
  • Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup.
  • Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a wonderful richness and pairs beautifully with the soup.
  • Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread is a delightful side that balances the savory soup.
  • Avocado Toast: Top your toast with slices of avocado and enjoy it alongside the soup for a filling lunch.
  • Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with salsa make for a tasty appetizer or side dish.

FAQ

Yes, you can use canned black beans for Instant Pot Black Bean Soup. Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot. Since they are already cooked, you can reduce the cooking time to about 10 to 15 minutes and adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.

Absolutely! Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is naturally vegan as it includes no animal products. You can also enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.

If you like your soup spicy, you can add more jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce when serving. Another great option is to include diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process for added heat.

Yes, Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for longer. The flavors develop even more over time, making it a great option for meal prep.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is truly a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for chilly days or family gatherings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s easy, nutritious, and sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy each spoonful as you savor the deliciousness of this delightful soup!

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for seconds!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Soups
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper ribs and seeds removed and diced
  • 2 large carrots peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 small jalapeño peppers ribs and seeds removed, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pound dried black beans rinsed and any foreign matter removed
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 small limes zested and juiced
  • ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • fresh minced cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, fresh limes, etc. for serving

Instructions
 

  • Turn your Instant Pot to the sautĂ© setting. Once it’s heated, add olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. As the oil heats, you'll notice a delightful aroma starting to fill the kitchen.
  • Add in the minced onion, bell pepper, chopped carrots, and diced jalapeño. SautĂ© these vegetables for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the other veggies soften. Keep stirring to prevent sticking and to allow all those wonderful flavors to meld.
  • Once the vegetables are softened, add in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. SautĂ© for another minute until the spices become fragrant. This step is crucial as it helps release the flavors.
  • Hit cancel to stop the sautĂ© function. Now, pour in 2 cups of water and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is important to avoid a burn notice when cooking under pressure.
  • Add the rinsed black beans, low-sodium chicken stock, and bay leaf. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients well.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring that the vent knob is set to sealed. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 30 minutes on high pressure.
  • When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes. This helps the soup develop even more flavor.
  • Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the pot and remove the bay leaf, discarding it. Transfer about 3 cups of the cooked soup to a blender or food processor.
  • Blend the soup on low speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure to leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. This step creates a lovely texture.
  • Stir the pureed beans back into the pot with the remaining soup, then add the zest and juice of the limes along with salt. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The lime adds a refreshing brightness that balances the dish beautifully.
  • Serve your Instant Pot Black Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, cheese, avocado, and any other toppings you desire. Enjoy!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just reheat before serving.
Keyword black bean soup, Healthy Soup, Instant Pot Recipes, vegan black bean soup

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating