The easiest way to cook black bean soup: instant pot masterclass!

Craving a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful soup? Look no further than black bean soup! With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can whip up a tantalizing pot of this classic in a fraction of the time. Follow these step-by-step instructions and savor the symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparing Your Instant Pot

1. Rinse and Sort Beans: Rinse the black beans thoroughly in a colander to remove any debris or stones. Sort through the beans and discard any that are damaged or discolored.
2. Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Place the rinsed black beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green and red bell peppers, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, black pepper, and broth into the Instant Pot.
3. Secure Lid and Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

Releasing Pressure and Blending

1. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
2. Quick Pressure Release: After 10 minutes, carefully release the remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.”
3. Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend half of the soup until smooth. Return the blended soup to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.

Adding the Finishing Touches

1. Stir in Corn and Tomatoes: Add the drained corn and undrained diced tomatoes to the soup. Stir well to distribute evenly.
2. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, cumin, or coriander to your preference.
3. Garnish with Cilantro: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top of the soup for an aromatic touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delectable black bean soup while it’s hot with a side of crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or a grilled chicken breast.

Tips for the Perfect Black Bean Soup

• Use Soaked Beans: Soaking the beans overnight can significantly reduce cooking time. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
• Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
• Adjust Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth as needed.
• Freeze for Later: Black bean soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Health Benefits of Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s a good source of:

• Protein: Black beans are a plant-based source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Fiber: The fiber in black beans promotes digestive health and helps you feel full longer.
• Antioxidants: Black beans contain antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
• Iron: Black beans are a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout your body.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use canned black beans instead of dried beans?
A: Yes, you can use two (15-ounce) cans of rinsed and drained black beans. Reduce the cooking time to 15 minutes.

Q: How long can I store black bean soup in the refrigerator?
A: Black bean soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I make black bean soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.