Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup Recipe is a simple, healthy and comforting soup perfect for any day. This recipe combines black beans, fresh vegetables and spices to make a flavorful, hearty soup.
It is easy to make, satisfying and full of protein and fiber. You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner or as a starter for a larger meal.
Learning how to make Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup is easy, even for beginners. With a few fresh ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality soup at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup last weekend, and it was amazing. The soup was rich, creamy and full of flavor. I loved the subtle spices and fresh vegetables. It was very filling and comforting on a cool evening.
Making this soup was simple and didn’t take much time. My family loved it served with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Cleanup was easy. This soup is now one of my favorite healthy meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual lunches.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Soup / Main Dish
- Cuisine: American / Latin
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat Oil in Pot
Add olive oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Let it warm for 1–2 minutes. - Cook Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until onion becomes soft and fragrant. - Add Carrots and Celery
Stir in chopped carrots and celery. Cook 5 minutes until slightly tender while stirring occasionally. - Add Spices
Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to coat vegetables evenly with spices. - Add Beans and Tomatoes
Pour in black beans and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir until mixed with vegetables and spices. - Add Broth
Pour in 4 cups of broth. Stir gently and bring soup to a gentle boil. - Simmer Soup
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors combine. - Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
Use an immersion blender or transfer half the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth for a creamy texture. - Add Lime Juice
Stir in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve Hot
Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm with bread.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup
- Use fresh vegetables for best flavor and texture.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- Simmer gently to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Blend partially for creaminess while keeping some bean texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end for balanced taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking vegetables, which makes them mushy.
- Not rinsing beans, leading to too much saltiness.
- Boiling too hard, which may break vegetables into mush.
- Skipping lime juice, losing brightness in flavor.
- Over-blending, making the soup too smooth or heavy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup with warm, crusty bread, cornbread or tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream or avocado adds extra creaminess.
This soup is also great as a starter before a larger meal. Add a simple salad to make a complete lunch or dinner.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
- Include corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for more vegetables.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or chili powder.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add cooked quinoa or rice to make it heartier.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store soup in airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of broth if soup thickens too much.
- Do not freeze for long periods if using cream or lime juice.
- Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating for best flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
Health Benefits
Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup Recipe is rich in protein, fiber and antioxidants. Black beans support heart health and digestion. Vegetables add vitamins and minerals for overall wellness.
The soup is low in fat, filling and perfect for healthy meals. Lime juice adds vitamin C and brightens the flavors naturally. This soup is nutritious, comforting and light on calories.
Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cans 15 oz each black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Heat Oil in Pot
- Add olive oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Let it warm for 1–2 minutes.
Cook Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Add Carrots and Celery
- Stir in chopped carrots and celery. Cook 5 minutes until slightly tender while stirring occasionally.
Add Spices
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to coat vegetables evenly with spices.
Add Beans and Tomatoes
- Pour in black beans and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir until mixed with vegetables and spices.
Add Broth
- Pour in 4 cups of broth. Stir gently and bring soup to a gentle boil.
Simmer Soup
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors combine.
Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
- Use an immersion blender or transfer half the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth for a creamy texture.
Add Lime Juice
- Stir in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve Hot
- Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm with bread.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for best flavor and texture.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- Simmer gently to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Blend partially for creaminess while keeping some bean texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end for balanced taste.
FAQs about Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup Recipe
Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve flavors.
Q2: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak and cook dried beans first. Adjust cooking time for tender beans before adding to soup.
Q3: How can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeño, cayenne, or chili powder during cooking. Taste and adjust gradually for preferred heat.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Add fresh lime juice after reheating.
Q5: What sides go well with this soup?
Cornbread, tortilla chips, warm bread or a simple green salad complement the flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup Recipe is healthy, flavorful and easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch or meal prep. Black beans, vegetables and spices create a comforting and satisfying dish.
With step-by-step instructions, anyone can make this soup at home. Serve with bread, salad or your favorite side for a complete meal. Try this recipe to enjoy a delicious, nutritious and filling soup that your family and friends will love.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!