Jamaican Black Bean Soup

Name: Jamaican Black Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love making Jamaican Black Bean Soup on rainy days or when I need a comforting dish that’s easy and nutritious. The vibrant spices and flavors remind me of sunny Caribbean islands, and I can make a big batch that lasts for days. This soup is packed with protein from the black beans and is a great way to incorporate vegetables into my diet. Plus, it comes together quickly, allowing me to enjoy a hearty meal without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:25:04.473Z

When I first tasted Jamaican Black Bean Soup at a local café, I fell in love with its rich flavors and heartiness. I decided to recreate it at home, experimenting with spices and ingredients until I found the perfect balance. The secret, I discovered, lies in using both fresh and dried spices, which builds a depth of flavor that makes the soup exceptional.

Another tip I learned is to let the soup simmer for a while; this allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. I often top it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, which brightens the dish and adds a zesty finish. It’s become a staple in my meal prep, and I can't get enough!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, hearty flavors that warm you from the inside out
Vegan and packed with protein, perfect for a healthy meal
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or batch cooking

      

Perfecting the Soup Texture

Achieving the right texture in your Jamaican Black Bean Soup is crucial for a hearty experience. While cooking, make sure the black beans are tender but not mushy—they should hold their shape and provide a gentle creaminess. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after simmering. This will create a velvety base without losing all the chunky goodness of the beans and vegetables.

If you find the soup too thick after simmering, don't hesitate to add a bit more vegetable broth or even water until you reach your desired consistency. On the flip side, if it’s too watery, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and concentrate the flavors.

Ingredient Insights

The variety of spices used in this recipe—ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika—play a significant role in building layers of flavor. Cumin adds a warm earthiness, while coriander contributes a citrusy note that brightens the dish. Smoked paprika infuses a subtle smokiness that elevates the overall taste, mimicking the flavors found in traditional Caribbean cuisine. Feel free to adjust the spice amounts based on your palate; adding a pinch of cayenne can give the soup an extra kick if you enjoy heat.

As for the vegetables, you can customize your soup by adding extra ingredients, such as diced carrots, zucchini, or even corn. These additions not only enhance the nutritional profile but also provide varied textures. Just be mindful of the cooking times—if you add quicker-cooking vegetables, toss them in closer to the end of the sautéing process.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Jamaican Black Bean Soup:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Make sure to have everything prepped to make the cooking process smooth!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Jamaican Black Bean Soup:

Sauté the veggies

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add spices and bell pepper

Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Combine the beans and broth

Add the black beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Simmer the soup

Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Jamaican Black Bean Soup!

Pro Tips

For added richness, blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier texture. You can also add diced avocado on top for extra creaminess!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best things about Jamaican Black Bean Soup is that it stores well and actually tastes better the next day. After cooking, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. When refrigerated, it can last for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in individual portions. Just make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to adjust the consistency if necessary.

If you know you want to serve this soup later in the week, you can pre-chop your vegetables and even sauté them to pre-cook the flavors. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two days, then add them to the pot when you're ready to cook the soup.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve your Jamaican Black Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to brighten its flavors. The acidity from the lime enhances the spices and complements the richness of the beans. Pair it with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, or enjoy it alongside a refreshing salad to round out your meal. For an authentic Caribbean twist, consider adding a dollop of coconut yogurt on top for creaminess without dairy.

You can also transform the soup into a comforting bowl by adding toppings such as avocado slices, diced scallions, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added umami. If you want a heartier option, serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned black beans?

Yes, canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding to the soup.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini to enhance the nutrition and flavor.