Spanish Black Bean Soup

Spanish Black Bean Soup Recipe - Traditional Spanish Food

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spanish Black Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of black beans, Spanish prosciutto, and aromatic spices creates a rich and savory flavor profile that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Black bean soup has been a staple in Spanish cuisine for centuries. Black beans are a common ingredient in Spanish cooking, and this soup is a delicious way to enjoy them. The addition of Spanish prosciutto adds a unique twist to this classic dish, giving it a rich and savory flavor that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups fresh onions or frozen onions, about 2 medium yellow onions
1 cup frozen bell peppers, stir-fry mixed red, green, and yellow peppers; do not thaw
0.33 cup Spanish ham or prosciutto, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large whole bay leaf
0.5 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
0.25 tsp ground coriander
2 (1 lb (454 g)) cans black beans, with their liquid
1 (14.5 oz (411 g)) can beef broth
3 tbsp dry sherry
salt
ground black pepper
3 cups leftover cooked rice, reheated
2 large hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
4 tbsp italian parsley, coarsely chopped

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large saucepan over high heat for about 2 minutes.
Add onion, stir fry mix, ham, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and coriander.
Stir well to coat, reduce heat to medium, cover, and allow the flavors to blend for about 10 minutes.
Add beans, liquid, broth, and sherry. Adjust the heat so the soup bubbles slightly, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, mound 0.5 cup of rice in each of the heated large soup plates.
Ladle the soup into the plates, then top with a scattering of hard-cooked egg and parsley.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use chorizo or bacon instead of Spanish prosciutto for a different twist.
Stir in a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality Spanish prosciutto for the best flavor.

- Don't skip the step of allowing the flavors to blend before adding the beans and broth.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

- Garnish with chopped hard-cooked eggs and parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spanish Black Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to allow the flavors to blend before adding the beans and broth.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to develop.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular prosciutto or ham if Spanish prosciutto is not available.

- Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth for a vegetarian version.

- Use any type of cooked rice or grain as a base for the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Spanish Black Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spanish Black Bean Soup in large soup plates with a mound of rice in the center. Top with chopped hard-cooked eggs and parsley for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spanish Black Bean Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Serve with a glass of Spanish red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spanish Black Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish Black Bean Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spanish Black Bean Soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spanish Black Bean Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spanish Black Bean Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spanish Black Bean Soup is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and pork (Spanish prosciutto), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Spanish Black Bean Soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Spanish cuisine in a comforting and hearty soup.

Summary

Spanish Black Bean Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this soup is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of Spanish cuisine in every spoonful of this hearty and comforting soup.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated by its rich and hearty flavors. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. The aroma of garlic and spices filled the air as she stirred a pot of simmering black beans on the stove.

Maria had learned to make Spanish Black Bean Soup from her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. She explained to me that the key to this soup was in the slow cooking of the beans, allowing them to absorb all the flavors of the spices and vegetables.

As I watched Maria carefully add in the diced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her culinary skills. She moved with such grace and confidence in the kitchen, as if she had been cooking this soup her whole life.

I asked Maria if she would be willing to teach me how to make the soup, and she happily agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon chopping, stirring, and tasting, until finally, the soup was ready to be served.

As I took my first spoonful of the Spanish Black Bean Soup, I was transported to a world of rich, smoky flavors and tender beans. The combination of cumin, paprika, and oregano danced on my taste buds, while the creamy texture of the beans melted in my mouth.

From that day on, Spanish Black Bean Soup became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply to warm up on a cold winter night. Each time I cooked the soup, I would think of Maria and her grandmother, and the love and tradition that went into every bowl.

Over the years, I continued to tweak the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. Sometimes I would throw in a handful of chopped chorizo for an extra kick, or top the soup with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro. No matter how I made it, the soup always brought me back to that day in Maria's kitchen, learning from a friend who had become like family to me.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, just as Maria had done for me. I taught them the importance of patience and love when cooking, and how a simple pot of soup could bring people together in the most magical way.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on all the memories and flavors that have been woven into the fabric of my life, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. And though I may not be able to cook as much as I used to, I know that the tradition of Spanish Black Bean Soup will live on in the hearts and kitchens of those who carry on the recipe.

So here's to good food, good friends, and the power of a simple bowl of soup to bring warmth and comfort to our souls. May we always remember the love and tradition that goes into every dish we create, and the joy that comes from sharing it with others. And may we never forget the simple pleasure of a warm bowl of Spanish Black Bean Soup on a cold winter day. Cheers!