Inspired by a recent episode of The Pioneer Woman, this black bean soup recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also versatile enough to be a “mothership” meal. Just like Ree Drummond demonstrated, this hearty soup can be the base for multiple dishes throughout the week. After catching the episode and seeing how simple and flavorful it looked, I knew I had to try making this black bean soup myself.
Close-up of a bowl of Pioneer Woman's black bean soup, garnished with fresh cilantro, showcasing a hearty and flavorful dish from a recent episode's recipes.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite. We first enjoyed it as a side dish with green chile chicken and cilantro lime rice for dinner. The leftovers were perfect for lunch the next day, and I’m planning to use it as a side with slow cooker tacos later this week. The “mothership” concept is truly genius!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black beans
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
Directions
- Begin by placing the black beans in a large pot and covering them with hot water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for two minutes. Then, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and allow the beans to sit for one hour.
- Drain the beans and rinse them with cold water. Return the rinsed beans to the pot.
- Add chicken broth, water, minced garlic, diced onion, and diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for one and a half hours.
- Stir in kosher salt, chili powder, and cumin. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes to an hour. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. Consider options like sliced avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, or pico de gallo to customize your bowl!
This Pioneer Woman inspired black bean soup is a fantastic and easy recipe to add to your cooking repertoire. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and offers endless possibilities for customization with your choice of toppings. Enjoy the taste of this recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in ours!
