==NOTE: this recipe is currently untested and comes via [[ChatGPT]].== ## Ingredients - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 2 carrots, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works well) - 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian) - 3 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes - Salt and pepper, to taste - Juice of 1 lime - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) ### Optional Toppings - Sour cream or Greek yogurt - Shredded cheese - Avocado slices - Tortilla chips - Fresh diced tomatoes - Chopped green onions ## Estimated Nutritional Information per Serving - **Calories**: Approximately 200-250 calories - **Protein**: About 10-15 grams - **Fat**: Approximately 4-6 grams (mostly from olive oil) - **Carbohydrates**: About 35-40 grams (primarily from black beans and vegetables) - **Fiber**: Roughly 10-15 grams (black beans are a great source of fiber) - **Sodium**: Can vary widely depending on the broth and canned products used; low-sodium options can reduce this amount - **Vitamins and Minerals**: High in folate, iron (from black beans), vitamin C (from bell peppers and tomatoes), and potassium ## Instructions 1. **Sauté Vegetables**: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. 2. **Add Spices**: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. 3. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil. 4. **Simmer**: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup uncovered for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. 5. **Puree (Optional)**: For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer about half of the soup to a blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids. 6. **Add Lime Juice**: Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning if necessary. 7. **Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add any other toppings of your choice, such as sour cream, avocado, or shredded cheese. 8. **Enjoy**: Serve your black bean soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for added texture. This soup is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can adjust the spices according to your preference, making it as spicy or mild as you like. It's a great meal on its own or as a starter and is perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Enjoy your homemade black bean soup! ** Created: [[2024-01-13]]