49 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
49 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
# Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
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## Ingredients:
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- **Beans**:
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- 2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained
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- **Veggies**:
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- 1 large onion, chopped
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- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
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- 3 garlic cloves, minced
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- 2 carrots, chopped
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- 2 celery stalks, chopped
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- **Liquid**:
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- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
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- **Seasonings/Spices**:
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- 1 tsp ground cumin
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- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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- 1 bay leaf
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- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
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- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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- **Finish**:
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- Juice of 1 lime
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- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
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- **For Creaminess (Optional)**:
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- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
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## Instructions:
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1. **Beans Prep**: After soaking the black beans overnight, drain and rinse them to remove any impurities.
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2. **Layering in Slow Cooker**: Add onions, bell pepper, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. If using, add the diced tomatoes.
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3. Place the black beans over the veggies.
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4. Sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper.
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5. Pour in the broth, ensuring the beans are well submerged.
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6. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beans are tender.
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7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture.
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8. Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasonings if needed.
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9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. If desired, swirl in some sour cream, plain yogurt, or coconut milk for added creaminess.
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## Tips:
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- **Toppings**: Offer toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, diced red onions, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
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- **Accompaniment**: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, a side of rice, or a fresh green salad.
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- **Storage**: It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
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- **Heat Levels**: Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. For an extra kick, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or chipotle pepper to the mix.
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**Dive into this comforting and rich Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup, a delightful blend of flavors and textures!**
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