Goya Black Bean Soup Recipe

When it comes to hearty, flavorful soups, Goya Black Bean Soup stands out as a crowd favorite. This soup is a staple in many Latin American kitchens, and it’s loved for its robust flavor, deep color, and heartwarming qualities. It’s also packed with nutrition, as black beans are high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a protein-packed option for your lunch, Goya Black Bean Soup is the answer.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its ease of preparation but also in its versatility. You can adjust the spices, ingredients, and consistency to suit your taste. Best of all, it’s one of those dishes that feels even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to meld together. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful soup, and explore some of its key ingredients, tips, and variations to make it your own!

This Goya Black Bean Soup recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. It’s rich, savory, and perfectly balanced, with the black beans forming a creamy, satisfying base. The spices give it depth and warmth, while the vegetables provide freshness and crunch. Ready to start cooking? Here’s the breakdown.

Ingredients Needed

To make this soup, you’ll need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Black Beans (2 cans or 2 cups dried beans) – The heart of the soup, black beans bring in protein, fiber, and a lovely earthy flavor.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to enhance their flavors.
Onion (1 medium) – A must for creating a flavor base with that wonderful savory sweetness when cooked.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds aromatic depth and a mild heat to the soup.
Carrot (1 medium) – A slightly sweet and earthy crunch that complements the beans perfectly.
Celery (2 stalks) – Adds a bit of crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the beans.
Vegetable Broth (4 cups) – The liquid base of the soup, giving it that smooth, soup-like consistency.
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Provides a subtle tangy richness and deepens the color of the soup.
Cumin (1 tsp) – This spice adds warmth, earthiness, and a bit of smokiness.
Paprika (1 tsp) – Brings out a sweet and smoky depth.
Bay Leaves (2) – Used for infusing the soup with a subtle, fragrant herbal flavor.
Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Lime (1, for garnish) – A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the rich soup and gives it a zesty kick.
Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish) – Adds freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into how to cook this comforting Goya Black Bean Soup. The process is simple and doesn’t take much time. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Prep The Ingredients
- If you’re using dried beans, soak them overnight, then rinse and drain before use. If you’re using canned beans, just drain and rinse them.
- Dice the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
- Gather all your spices and seasonings.
Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they soften and become translucent.
- Add the garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Continue sautéing for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Add The Tomato Paste And Spices
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the tomato paste deepen in color and the spices release their aromas.
Simmer The Soup
- Add the beans (canned or soaked and drained), bay leaves, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Blend Or Mash (Optional)
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup to your desired texture. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher for a thicker consistency.
Season And Serve
- Remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a little extra cumin if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with a squeeze of lime juice and some fresh cilantro.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a little more info about the key ingredients in Goya Black Bean Soup, and why they’re so important:

Black Beans: Not only do they give the soup its signature dark color and hearty texture, but black beans are also a great source of plant-based protein, iron, magnesium, and fiber. They help keep you feeling full for longer and are great for digestive health.
Cumin & Paprika: These spices are what elevate the flavor profile of the soup. Cumin is warm, earthy, and slightly smoky, while paprika can range from sweet to smoky, adding a bit of spice without overwhelming the dish.
Vegetable Broth: The broth is crucial in creating the soup’s overall depth. Opt for a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. If you want a richer taste, you can also use chicken broth.
Lime: The fresh acidity of lime brightens up the richness of the beans and gives the soup a refreshing finish.

Expert Tips

Want to make your Goya Black Bean Soup even better? Here are a few expert tips to take this dish to the next level:

For Extra Flavor: Add a smoky element by using smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper. This adds a delicious layer of heat and smokiness that balances out the earthiness of the beans.
Don’t Skip the Lime: It might seem like a small detail, but a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a necessary zesty contrast to the rich, savory soup.
Use a Slow Cooker: For even richer flavor, you can cook this soup in a slow cooker. Simply toss all the ingredients in, set it on low, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process lets the flavors fully develop.
Make it Vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but if you want a bit of creaminess, you can add a dollop of vegan sour cream or a splash of coconut milk before serving.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of Goya Black Bean Soup is how easy it is to tweak based on your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

Meat Lovers’ Version: Add chorizo, ham hock, or bacon for a meaty twist. These ingredients add savory depth and smokiness to the soup.
Spicy Version: If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You can also toss in a dash of hot sauce or a chopped serrano pepper for extra spice.
Make it Creamier: For a creamier texture, blend half of the soup, or add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream. It will smooth out the texture and give it a velvety finish.
Sweet Potatoes or Butternut Squash: If you want a sweeter, earthier flavor, swap in diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for the carrots. They’ll soften as they cook and give the soup a lovely creamy texture when blended.

Final Words

Goya Black Bean Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and nutrition. It’s easy to make, adaptable to various tastes, and always hits the spot. Whether you make it as a meal prep for the week, or serve it for a cozy dinner with loved ones, this soup will surely impress.

Goya Black Bean Soup Recipe