Mexican Black Bean Spiced Soup

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €4.79 · €0.80/serving

• 2 cups dried ebony legumesEst. price €1.80–€3.50
• 8 cups pure spring waterEst. price €0.02–€0.08
• 1 ivory onion, finely minced (soak in cold water to reduce sharpness)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• Salt to taste (opt for smoked salt for added depth of flavor)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• 1/2 cup crumbled Mexican queso fresco or feta cheese (go for queso fresco for authentic taste)Est. price €1.50–€2.80
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish (add right before serving for maximum freshness)Est. price €0.25–€0.50
• 4 maize tortillas, sliced into 1/8-inch-wide strips and fried until golden and crispy (drain on paper towels to remove excess oil), or 1/3 cup corn chips, crumbled into large pieces, for garnishEst. price €0.60–€1.20

Steps

1. 1

   Start by washing the beans meticulously before placing them in the slow cooker insert with water and onion. Cover the insert and cook on low heat for approximately 8 hours, or until the beans reach a tender consistency.

2. 2

   Utilize a handheld immersion blender to blend a portion of the beans until smooth, adjusting based on your desired texture for the soup.

3. 3

   Season the soup with salt according to your preference. Serve the soup in individual bowls. Garnish each portion with crumbled cheese, a dash of fresh cilantro, and a handful of crispy tortilla strips on top.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Black bean soup is a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients like beans, onions, and cheese. Queso fresco, cilantro, and maize tortillas are traditional Mexican ingredients that add authenticity to this dish.

• Seasonal note

  Mexican Black Bean Spiced Soup is perfect for colder months when fresh cilantro and onions are in season. Black beans are typically harvested in the fall, making this dish ideal for autumn and winter.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious choice, providing a good amount of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like A and C. It is relatively low in calories and saturated fat, but high in fiber which can aid digestion and help you feel full longer.