Black Bean Soup With Sweet Potatoes

By devogirl

Forks Over Knives
WFPB

This soup has an irresistible quality; the flavors are deep and earthy with some sweetness from the potatoes. Don’t let the number of ingredients intimidate you – they build layers of flavor, but this soup is not at all difficult to make!

Ingredients

• 3 cups and 1—2 tablespoons water, divided
• 1 1/2-1 1/3 cups chopped onion (from 1 large onion)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped red and green peppers combined
• 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, more or less to taste
• 4 medium-large cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 3 14- or 15-ounce cans black beans (about 4 1/2-5 cups), drained and rinsed, divided
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2-1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cups diced small yellow sweet potato or white potato
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Chopped avocado tossed with lemon juice and dash of salt for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon water, onion, red and green peppers, salt, pepper, cumin seeds, oregano, allspice, and crushed red pepper.

2. Let cook for 5—7 minutes until onion and peppers start to soften.

3. Add garlic. Cover, decrease heat to medium, and let cook another few minutes to soften garlic—if veggies are sticking or burning, add another splash of water.

4. After a few minutes of cooking, add 3 1/2 cups beans, remaining 3 cups water, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, and maple syrup (starting with Vi teaspoon).

5. Using an immersion blender, puree soup until fairly smooth.

6. Increase heat to bring to boil, add bay leaf and diced sweet potatoes. Once boiling, decrease heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.

7. Add remaining cup of black beans and extra maple syrup, if desired.

8. Stir through, let simmer for another few minutes, then serve, topping with cilantro, if desired, and lime wedges or with some chopped seasoned avocado or a simple guacamole.