Name: 20 Minute black bean and lime soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 TBS olive oil; 1 medium onion, roughly chopped ((115 g) ~1 cup); 2 carrots, peeled and sliced ((77 g) ~½ cup); 2 stalks celery, cut into pieces ((60 g) ~½ cup); 3 cloves garlic, minced (~1 TBS); 1 TBS cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 3 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 3 cups vegetable broth; 2 limes (zest and juice)

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Need a quick and healthy dinner that the whole family will love? This 20-minute black bean and lime soup is just the thing!

Made with simple pantry staples, this hearty soup comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The black beans provide plenty of protein and fiber, while fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty kick.

Plus, it’s mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for those who like a little extra heat. Serve it with tortilla chips, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream, and dinner is done in no time!

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Why you’ll love this 20-minute bean soup recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and healthy meal, this black bean soup is just what you need. It’s packed with flavor, comes together in just 20 minutes, and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

Fast and easy: This soup is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal without the wait.
Nutritious and filling: Black beans are loaded with protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied while providing a boost of essential nutrients.
Big flavor, simple ingredients: With just a few everyday ingredients like garlic, spices, and lime juice, this soup delivers a rich, comforting taste without any fuss.

Serve it with a side of tortilla chips or a sprinkle of fresh toppings, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love!

Ingredients

This quick and hearty black bean soup comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that add flavor and texture.

Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Black beans – The star of the soup! They provide plant-based protein and fiber to keep you full. Canned black beans work perfectly for a quick meal.
Onion – Adds depth and a natural sweetness as it cooks, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Celery – Brings a mild, earthy flavor and a slight crunch that balances the creamy black beans.
Carrots – A touch of sweetness and extra nutrients make this a well-rounded, nutritious soup.
Garlic – Essential for adding rich, savory flavor. Fresh garlic makes all the difference!
Vegetable broth – Forms the base of the soup, adding savory depth while keeping it plant-based. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over the salt level.
Olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing flavor.
Seasonings – Cumin and paprika add warmth and a slightly smoky, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with black beans.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the soup. Adjust to taste!

These simple ingredients come together in just 20 minutes to create a satisfying and flavorful soup that’s perfect for busy days!

How to make black bean soup

Making black bean soup at home is simple. This hearty soup comes together in just a few steps, using basic pantry ingredients and fresh vegetables.

Follow these easy instructions to make a delicious, homemade black bean soup:

Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the spices. Stir in the seasonings and a pinch of salt. Cooking the spices for a minute helps bring out their flavor.
Pour in the broth and beans. Add drained and rinsed canned black beans and vegetable broth to the pot.
Simmer. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Blend for creaminess (optional). For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or transfer a portion to a blender and mix until smooth before stirring it back in.
Add lime juice and zest. To amp up the magic that is this soup, add in the zest and juice of two limes.
Serve and enjoy! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

What to serve with black bean and lime soup

This 20 minute black bean soup is good on it’s own, but is even more fantastic when served along with these sides and toppings.

Tortilla chips. Salty, crisp tortilla chips and black bean and lime soup are a match made in soup heaven.
Sour cream. A dollop of cooling, tangy sour cream is a favorite addition to this chunky soup around here. I bet you’d love it too.
Cheddar cheese. If you add the cheese when the soup is still nice and hot, it will get so delicious and melt, ready to perfectly swirl into the soup with your spoon. Really, does anything sound better than that?
Green onion and/or cilantro. For some beautiful color and a fresh kick, green onion and cilantro make a perfect topping.
Quesadillas. It may take a little extra effort to make some quesadillas to go with the soup, but if you’re especially hungry they will be a welcome addition to the meal.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, flavor-packed black bean and lime soup ready in just 20 minutes!

This recipe proves that a satisfying, wholesome meal doesn’t have to take long to make.

With its zesty lime, warm seasonings, and hearty black beans, this soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch.

Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to top it with avocado, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of cheese to make it your own.