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Spicy Chipotle Bean Soup with Corn

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Soups
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Base Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Main Ingredients
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
  • Optional Add-ins
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced (for added sweetness and texture)
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa or rice (for extra heartiness)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a creamier version)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics : Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  • Step 2: Add Spices and Chipotle : Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, stirring well to coat the vegetables in spice and flavor.
  • Step 3: Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes : Add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
  • Step 4: Simmer the Soup :Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to slightly thicken.
  • Step 5: Adjust and Finish : Stir in lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or chipotle for spice. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans gently with a spoon or blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in.