A visually stunning and deeply nutritious soup that combines the earthy richness of black beans with the vibrant colors of purple vegetables, offering a wholesome and flavorful meal.
2cupsblack beanscooked or canned, drained and rinsed
2cupspurple cabbageshredded
1cupbeetrootpeeled and diced
1mediumonionchopped
3clovesgarlicminced
2stalkscelerychopped
1teaspoonground cumin
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
1/2teaspoonchili powderadjust to taste
4cupsvegetable stocklow-sodium preferred
2tablespoonsolive oil
to tastesalt and pepper
Optional Toppings
fresh cilantrochopped
vegan sour cream
tortilla strips
Instructions
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the sautéed vegetables with the spices, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
Add the diced beetroot and shredded purple cabbage to the pot. Stir to combine with the spiced vegetable mixture.
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the beetroot is tender.
Add the cooked black beans to the pot. Stir to combine and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend just a portion of the soup. For a smoother consistency, blend the entire pot until velvety.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable stock to reach your preferred consistency. Heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, vegan sour cream, or tortilla strips. Serve warm.
Notes
For an added twist, try adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked sea salt before serving. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.