Delicious and Hearty Black Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon

This comforting and flavorful black bean soup with crispy bacon will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. Made with wholesome black beans, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of smoky bacon, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup in no time!

Ingredients

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, shredded cheese

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the black beans, broth, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully purée about half of the soup until smooth. Be cautious, as hot liquid may splatter. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher to partially mash the beans.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir well. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat the soup for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve the black bean soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon, sour cream, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese, if desired.

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