Description
A rich blend of tomato and spices swirls together with tender black beans and sweet corn. Each bowl is laced with velvety cream and finished with crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 small corn tortillas cut into strips
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeno pepper and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the black beans and corn kernels, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Toss the tortilla strips with a little oil on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with baked tortilla strips, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno and cayenne pepper for milder or spicier soup.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk.
- This soup stores well and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- Serve with extra tortilla chips or shredded cheese if desired.