Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

By Addie

Wholesome soups are some of my favorite meals to make during the fall and winter months. Black bean soup is probably one of my favorites. This inexpensive hearty soup is filled with fiber, tons of nutrients, and simple to make in the slow cooker.

The black bean soup recipe I used is adapted from the Slow Cooker Revolution Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen. I know I refer to this cookbook all the time but seriously it is awesome.

What I loved about this recipe, besides the amazing taste, is that it needs 9-11 hours to cook in the slow cooker. Also, the dried beans do not need to be soaked overnight. This means I can put everything in the slow cooker in the morning and when I get home from work it is perfect and ready to eat.

Leftovers will be plenty so make sure to have containers ready to freeze for easy lunches and dinners.


MY NOTES: Mark's secret ingredient in his VERY delicious black beans soup at THE BEAN was to add 1/4 pound of linguica.

Ingredients

• 3 onions, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound dried black beans, picked over and rinsed
• 4 –5 celery ribs, chopped
• 3-4 carrots, chopped
• 2 bay
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Step 1. Mix together onion, garlic, olive oil, and chili powder in a medium bowl and microwave for 5 minutes. Then transfer to slow cooker **This is one of the many slow cooker tips offered in the cookbook.

Step 2. Add broth, water, celery, carrots, beans, and bay leaves to slow cooker and cook on low for 9-11 hours. I have a 6-quart slow cooker and cooked mine for the full 11 hours.

Step 3. Remove 1 -2 cups of the soup and place in a medium to large bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork. Transfer back to soup and stir.

Step 4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a splash of hot sauce if desired.
Freezer Instructions

Once cooled, portion into freezer containers or bags and place into freezer.
Reheating instructions

Soup can be reheated on stove or microwave.