Black Bean and Pumpkin Soup

By lauramae

In this busy season when days zoom by and temperatures drop, it’s comforting to have an easy, hearty soup recipe in your back pocket. This satisfying soup is two soups in one; black bean soup and pumpkin soup. It can be made quickly from things you probably have in your pantry – canned black beans, canned pumpkin, canned tomatoes, onions and chicken broth. Another benefit – the ingredients are nutritional powerhouses called “superfoods“, so this soup is not just easy and fast, but super healthy.

Ingredients

• 2 15-ounce (425 grams) cans organic black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-ounce (411 grams) can diced organic tomatoes, drained
• 3 cups (710) ml) low sodium, organic chicken broth (or use vegetable broth for vegetarian/vegan style)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked black pepper (or regular)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper, or more for more heat
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can organic pure pumpkin puree (not pie mix)
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
• 2 -3 teaspoons Balsamic vinegar
• Optional garnishes: grated low fat Jack or Cheddar cheese, crumbled queso fresco, diced fresh tomato, sliced green onions or chives, crushed tortilla chips, low fat sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from afoodcentriclife.com

Preparation

Step 1

Puree beans and tomatoes with half of the chicken broth in a large capacity blender, like a Vitamix. If you have a smaller capacity blender you may need to do it in two batches.

In a large saucepan heat olive oil over medium low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, translucent and fragrant.

Add spices, stir and cook for a minute or two.

Stir in black bean-tomato puree, pumpkin, broth and sherry (if using). Simmer uncovered until blended and thickened, about 15-2- minutes.

Add vinegar and serve. Top with garnishes of choice, as noted above. See link for decorative spiderweb garnish instructions!