Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup
Serves: 4-6
 
Ingredients
  • 2 15 oz cans (3 cups) black beans, drained, divided
  • 1 bunch cilantro, stems and leaves roughly separated
  • 1 chipotle in adobo + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the same can)
  • juice from 2 limes, divided
  • sea salt
  • avocado oil or other cooking oil of choice
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium-large sweet potato (about 1 lb), sliced into ½" thick quarter rounds
  • a few handfuls baby spinach
  • topping suggestions/ideas
  • cilantro leaves
  • quick pickled radishes or red onions
  • avocado
  • yogurt or cashew crema
  • toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
  1. In an upright blender, combine 1 can of beans, cilantro stems, chipotle in adobo and adobo sauce, juice from 1 lime, a pinch of salt, and 1½ cups of water. Blend until smooth and set aside for now.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add enough oil to generously coat the bottom. Add the onion, cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Saute until the onion is soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and stir around for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the sweet potato and the remaining can of black beans, stir to coat in the spices.
  3. Add the blended black bean mixture to the pot, along with 2 more cups of water, and plenty more salt to taste, to season the soup. Mix and bring to a simmer. Simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, until the sweet potato is cooked through. Turn off the heat, wilt in the spinach and add the juice of 1 remaining lime. Taste for salt and adjust if needed. Serve the soup warm, garnished with cilantro leaves, pickled radishes/onions, avocado, and/or yogurt or cashew crema.
Notes
-Chipotle in adobo sauce can be found in most grocery stores in the U.S. near the canned beans or in 'international' sections. It's such a great, flavor building ingredient, that's definitely worth seeking out.
-Our recipes for quick pickled radishes and quick pickled red onions are linked within the recipe. Both make for a delicious accompaniment to this soup.
Recipe by Golubka Kitchen at https://golubkakitchen.com/spicy-black-bean-and-sweet-potato-soup/