Creamy Black Bean Soup with Avocado Crema

Ingredients

In this Central American adaptation of Kongguksu, the traditional Korean dish, we replace the soybean-based broth with black beans, a staple ingredient in Central American cuisine. The addition of aromatic spices like cumin and paprika gives the soup a distinct Central American flavor profile. Instead of traditional Korean garnishes, we top the soup with a tangy avocado crema, which adds a creamy and refreshing element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Kongguksu, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried black beans 2 cups (400g) dried black beans
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the avocado crema: For the avocado crema:
• 1 ripe avocado 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Optional garnishes: Optional garnishes:
• Chopped fresh cilantro Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos Sliced jalapenos
• Lime wedges Lime wedges

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the black beans under cold water and remove any debris. Soak the beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Drain the soaked black beans and add them to the pot. Stir in the ground cumin and paprika, coating the beans and aromatics evenly.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Once the beans are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend the soup in batches, being careful not to overfill the blender.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the soup warm over low heat while preparing the avocado crema.
7. 7.
   To make the avocado crema, scoop out the flesh of the ripe avocado and place it in a blender or food processor. Add the sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
8. 8.
   Ladle the creamy black bean soup into bowls and drizzle with the avocado crema. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
9. 9.
   Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Avocado — Choose a ripe avocado that is slightly soft when gently squeezed. If the avocado is not ripe enough, the crema may have a chunky texture.
• Black beans — Soaking the black beans overnight helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures they become tender. Rinse the beans thoroughly before soaking to remove any impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno to the soup while cooking.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some cooked black beans before blending the soup and stir them back in after blending.
• To make the soup creamier, stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk or heavy cream before serving.
• Serve the soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Black Bean Soup hot in individual bowls. Drizzle the avocado crema over the soup and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor. Accompany the soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the Creamy Black Bean Soup, ensure that the avocado crema is evenly drizzled over the soup to create an attractive presentation. Sprinkle the garnishes in a visually appealing manner, such as arranging the diced tomatoes and sliced jalapenos in a circular pattern. Serve the soup in colorful bowls to enhance its visual appeal.