How to make simple & satisfying, Smokey Black Bean Soup. FAT FREE

No sauteing, no frying, no fuss. Simply Soup

No fat, no dairy.

Delicious.

I love this soup.  It is rich, offers a gentle chili kick and a warming smokey spiciness from the smoked paprika.  

Have you caught onto my *TOP TIP* and pre-soaked and pre-cooked a 500g bag of dried black beans, divided into 5 freezer bags and stashed in your freezer until needed?  Yes - yey, grab a couple of bags...No? Ok either soak just enough for this recipe (serves 4) 250g or grab some cans.

VEGAN SMOKEY BLACK BEAN SOUP - FAT FREE

cook 250g dried beans or open  2 (16 oz) cans of ready cooked black beans

2 large cloves garlic minced

1 large onion diced

3 tsp  freshly roasted cumin seeds

3 tsp smoked Spanish paprika

1 tsp freshly toasted coriander/ciltrano seeds or coriander powder (I like the texture and tiny pops of flavour the seeds give)

1 tsp mixed herbs

3 large tomatoes skinned (score around the top of tom, place in boiling water for a few mins after which skin will peel off easily) and chopped

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 dried whole chipotle chili  (or alternatively, 1 tsp chili powder)

2 medium carrots grated or 'sticked' on the mandolin (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 tbs lime juice

1 tbs chopped fresh chives or salad onions to garnish

*Optional ingredients to add close to the end (to retain colour and nibs of flavour) of cooking - cooked sweet corn - chopped roasted red pepper.  Optional garnish (its a herb that isn't every ones cup of tea)  fresh coriander/ciltrano

How to

1. place all the ingredients through to the carrots, cover with water to approximately 1 inch over the level of ingredients and bring to boil then simmer for 20 mins.  Remove the chipotle unless you want some fiery heat.

2. add the carrots and cook for further 5 mins (should you want a thicker soup then blend half of it now and add the carrots after so they do not get pureed)

3.add lime juice and serve with fresh chopped chives or green/salad onions

I am in LOVE with this ole smokey!

p.s  If you want to make a black bean chili instead of a soup then use less liquid. 

p.s.s This is lovely, reheated and eaten with crumbly cornbread the next day too.  Oh my.

p.s.s.s It is totally freezable too!

x