Description
A hearty and nourishing Protein Black Bean and Lentil Soup recipe packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3. Add the rinsed black beans, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5. Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 6. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, or carefully blend about 2 cups in a regular blender and return to the pot.
- 7. Stir in the fresh lime juice, if using, just before serving.
Notes
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g