What's For Dinner: Spicy Black Bean Soup with Lime Crema

December. It arrives with a gentle flurry of activity for some, and for others, it's a full-on blizzard of commitments. My own rhythm, as a rather contented inhabitant of my quiet corner of the world, often finds itself navigating a delightful tension between the external hum and the internal whisper. There's a particular kind of grace in finding pockets of stillness amidst the bustle, isn't there? A moment to simply *be*, rather than constantly *do*. Lately, that "being" has centered around a warm bowl of something deeply comforting after the day's tasks are set aside. There’s a certain contemplative quality to a good soup. It doesn't demand much of you; it simply offers warmth and a gentle embrace. And as the days grow shorter and the world outside takes on a brighter, more festive glow, I find myself drawn to meals that nourish not just the body, but also that quiet, thankful spirit within. This Spicy Black Bean Soup with Lime Crema has become a cherished companion on many a cool evening. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it asks for very little in return for the comfort it provides. It’s the kind of meal that encourages you to linger at the table, perhaps with a book or a thoughtful conversation, rather than rushing off to the next thing. In a season of giving and receiving, I'm particularly grateful for the simple gift of a good meal, shared in peace.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (or left with seeds for more heat!)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra warmth)
• 4 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

For the Lime Crema:

• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Oh, how those spices awaken the senses!
3. Combine & Simmer: Stir in the rinsed black beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. There's a subtle joy in letting things simply *be* in the pot.
4. Partial Blend: For a thicker, creamier texture, carefully scoop about 2-3 cups of the soup into a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, blending only part of the soup to leave some whole beans for texture. Return the blended portion to the pot.
5. Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt makes all the difference, much like a well-placed word of encouragement.
6. Prepare the Crema: While the soup simmers, in a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust lime juice to your preference – it’s a bright, cheerful counterpoint to the soup's warmth.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and a dollop of lime crema. A little extra drizzle never hurts.

This soup, with its gentle warmth and comforting depth, serves as a lovely reminder to slow down, to savor, and to be truly present. In the quiet moments around the table, I often find myself reflecting on the year winding down, and the manifold blessings, both grand and small, that have filled our days. There's a deep gratitude for these simple, sustaining treasures. As this December wraps us in its unique blend of reflection and anticipation, what simple comfort brings you the most unexpected joy?

---

Looking for the perfect gift (or a treat for yourself)?

Check out our unique table runners, oven mitts, and other home decor in the ArtInScienceDesigns Etsy shop. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!

AND... Follow Me on CF

#recipes #fordinner #simple #lifestyle #etsy #7propertiesga #artinsciencedesigns #homedecor #kitchendecor #thanksgiving