Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe

“Purple Black Bean Soup” : It’s a rich, thick, and heartwarming soup that uses black beans and an anthocyanin-rich vegetable, most commonly purple sweet potatoes or purple cabbage, to create a deep purple colour. Not only does this soup look magnificent, but it is filled with nutrients, investing not only in taste but also in life. The base of the soup generally consists of sautéed onions, garlic and a mixture of spices such as cumin, smoked paprika and bay leaves to deepen the earthiness.
The purple vegetables provide a pretty colour for the soup and a subdued sweetness that contrasts nicely with the salty beans. Swirled with a bit of vegetable broth or water and just a splash of lime juice, this soup can be a hearty main course or a more comforting side dish. Naturally vegan, gluten-free and easily customizable, it’s a wonder of a dish for all types of eaters. It’s crowned with fresh herbs or a dollop of plant-based sour cream, and Purple Black Bean Soup is sure to impress both the eyes and the palate.

Origins of Purple Black Bean Soup

The origins of Purple Black Bean Soup can be seen in a fusion of culinary traditions that draw on the versatility and depth of beans in different cuisines, particularly those from Latin America and the Caribbean. Originating in Latin America, black beans are recognized as an essential nutritional component of the diet, adding an intense flavour that compliments a wide variety of dishes.

The use of purple vegetables like purple sweet potato or purple cabbage also shows a growing trend to incorporate antioxidant-rich, colourful ingredients into the core of tamale recipes.
While purple food has long been heralded for its health-boosting properties, thanks to pigments called anthocyanins, it works exceptionally well alongside black beans, which are earthy and packed with proteins.

There’s no exact “traditional” Purple Black Bean Soup from any one culture. Still, this dish is a reimagining that merges the health benefits of beans and colourful vegetables with flavours from around the globe.

Why Homemade Purple Black Bean Soup Is a Great Idea

Purple Black Bean Soup in Your Home: The Best Choice First, it’s a super nutritious, satisfying dish that’s ideal for anyone looking for a plant-based, protein-packed meal. Making soup at home also provides you with total control over the ingredients you’re using so you can customize the flavour profile, season it to your liking and use fresh, quality produce. When working with extreme ingredients like purple sweet potatoes or cabbage, this is especially important.

Whose spiciness can vary depending on how fresh and ripe they are. In addition, preparing soup at home is an economical way to make a big batch that can be kept to provide easy meals over the days. Making your soup also means avoiding any preservatives or artificial additives that can be found in store-bought varieties, so you’re eating something wholesome and nourishing.

Health Benefits of Purple Black Bean Soup

Reasons to Love Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe Not only does it taste great, but it is Packed with health benefits! Black beans are rich in plant-based protein, fibre, and vital minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. Purple vegetables, including purple sweet potatoes, contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that has been associated with lower rates of inflammation and a healthy heart.
The combination of these ingredients makes the soup a great choice for boosting digestive health, supporting immune function, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Keys for Better Purple Black Bean Soup

To make the best Purple Black Bean Soup, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:

1. Soaking the beans: black beans should be soaked overnight to help them cook faster and give them a good structure. A quick soak is a method where you boil beans briefly and let them sit for an hour. Soaking also lessens any digestive distress from the beans.
2. The key to a well-balanced Purple Black Bean Soup: they are a well-rounded balance of savoury, spicy, and tangy flavours. Try a blend of spices, such as cumin, smoked paprika and coriander, to bring warmth to the soup. Adding a squeeze of lime or lemon at the end makes the dish sing, brightening and complementing the earthy character of the beans and vegetables.
3. Cook the Vegetables Gently: To protect the pastel hues and nutrients of the purple vegetables (sweet potatoes or cabbage are some examples), sauté them gently during the first step or add them toward the final stages of cooking. That keeps them tender but prevents them from losing their bright colour.
4. Broth vs water: Use vegetable or mushroom broth as the base for a more intense flavour. If you want a lighter flavour, plain water can work, but a little splash of soy sauce or a dash of miso paste will enrich the flavour.
5. Toppings: A handful of fresh herbs, a dollop of plant-based sour cream, a sprinkle of crumbled tortilla chips — the delight is in the crunch with each spoonful of your Purple Black Bean Soup. A smear of avocado or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds provides healthy fats and crunch.

Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe

A vibrant and hearty soup made with purple cabbage, black beans, and a blend of spices, perfect for a nourishing and filling meal.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine International

Servings 4

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Can opener (for beans)
• Spoon or spatula
• Immersion blender or standard blender (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 medium carrot diced
• 1 small bell pepper diced (red or yellow)
• 4 cups purple cabbage shredded
• 2 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish optional

Instructions

 

Prepare the Vegetables:

• Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
• Include the chopped onion, garlic and cubed carrot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Cabbage:

• Plus, shredded purple cabbage and diced bell pepper. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is softened.

Add the Beans and Broth:

• Add the black beans and vegetable broth and stir. Mix well.

Season the Soup:

• Incorporate cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, and mountainous salt and pepper. Combine thoroughly, boil, tighten to features and cook for 20 minutes.

Blend (Optional):

• Alternatively, for a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup or transfer half the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Rejoin the blended/processed part into the pot.

Finish the Soup:

• Stir in lime juice.

Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end.
This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keyword Healthy bean soup, Purple cabbage soup

Other Considerations

1. Bonuses: Purple Black Bean Soup is a call for adaptability. It’s also OK to substitute the purple sweet potatoes with other purple-hued root vegetables, such as parsnips or beets, or switch out the types of beans. For added richness, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a handful of kale for a bit more body and nutrition.
2. Storage: This soup keeps (in the fridge) really well — 3-4 days — and the flavours usually deepen overnight. The soup can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months, making it a perfect dish to make in batches for meal prepping.
3. Pairing Notes: A side of crusty bread, light salad or grain like quinoa or brown rice would be an excellent addition to this soup for a more balanced meal. For added solace, finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of nutritional yeast.

Not just a visual treat, this Purple Black Bean Soup is a nutritious dish that gives comfort and fantastic health benefits. Whether you serve it for a busy weeknight dinner or at a gathering of friends, this is going to be your new pantry soup!

References

Black beans: Health benefits, facts, and research

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