I vividly remember my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the comforting aroma of her homemade black bean soup simmering on the stovetop. It was a labor of love, requiring hours of patient simmering to achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This Instant Pot version captures all that flavor in a fraction of the time. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, hearty goodness without the wait!
This Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. It’s a perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but still want a wholesome, home-cooked dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful and nutritious soup on your table in under an hour. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe!
Why You’ll Love It
- Flavorful and Hearty: The blend of spices and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying soup that’s bursting with flavor.
- Easy and Convenient: The Instant Pot does all the work! Simply combine the ingredients, set the timer, and let it go. A hands-off approach to a warm and comforting meal!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this soup is a wholesome and nutritious meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this soup is a great way to eat well without breaking the bank.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Customize it with your favorite spices, herbs, and vegetables to suit your taste.
Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This quick and easy Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Soup is a flavorful, hearty, and healthy meal ready in under an hour. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly choice for any night of the week. Customize it with your favorite spices and toppings for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- Dry Black Beans
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrots
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable Broth
- Diced Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
- Frozen Corn
- Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
Instructions
- Combine the vegetable broth, black beans, water, diced tomatoes, onion, celery, carrots, chili powder, cumin, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in your Instant Pot. Stir well.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to SEALING, and pressure cook on HIGH for 55 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in the frozen corn and serve, garnishing with cilantro if desired.
Notes
Soaking the black beans overnight is not required when using an Instant Pot, but it can reduce cooking time slightly. For a smoother texture, you can also blend a portion of the soup after cooking. Adjust the spices to your preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and easy Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Soup:
- Dry Black Beans: These are the heart of the soup. Choose high-quality black beans for the best flavor and texture.
- Aromatic Vegetables: Onion, celery, and carrots build a flavorful base.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper combine to create a warm and inviting aroma.
- Vegetable Broth: This adds richness and depth.
- Diced Tomatoes: These bring a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that enhances the flavors of the spices.
- Frozen Corn: Adds a sweet and satisfying element.
- Fresh Cilantro: (Optional) For a burst of fresh flavor. See the variations section for other herbs you can use.
Having all these ingredients prepped and ready to go will streamline the process of getting this flavorful soup on your table quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Combine the vegetable broth, black beans, water, diced tomatoes, onion, celery, carrots, chili powder, cumin, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in your Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the vent valve is in the SEALING position. Select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function and set it to HIGH PRESSURE for 55 minutes.
Step 3: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10–15 minutes, or until the display reads LO:05. This allows the beans to become tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Quick Release (Vent)
Carefully switch the vent valve from SEALING to VENTING to release any remaining pressure. Use caution, as the steam will be hot. It’s important to wait for the pressure to release naturally before doing this.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Open the lid and stir in the frozen corn. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the corn evenly. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Smart Tips & Tricks
- For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. This adds a velvety texture without any added cream. You can also check out our recipe for creamy Breakfast porridge for a delicious start to your day.
- Don’t skip the natural pressure release! This allows the beans to fully cook and absorb the flavors of the broth and spices.
- Adjust the spices to your liking. Add more chili powder for a spicier soup, or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
Make It Your Way
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for a fiery kick.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley instead of cilantro.
- Bean Medley: Use a combination of beans like kidney beans or pinto beans along with the black beans for a more diverse flavor profile.
- Southwestern Flair: Add a can of diced green chilies and a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a Southwestern twist.
- Sweet Potato Power: Add a diced sweet potato to the Instant Pot along with the other vegetables for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients. Be sure to check our Lunch section for more delicious meal inspirations.
Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your liking. There are endless possibilities!
Is this black bean soup truly vegan?
This recipe is entirely vegan, meaning it contains no animal products whatsoever. From the vegetable broth to the fresh cilantro, every ingredient is plant-based.
Can I use canned black beans instead of dry ones?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for dry black beans, you can certainly use canned black beans if you prefer. If you’re using canned beans, be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the Instant Pot. Reduce the cooking time to 20 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Since canned beans are pre-cooked, they don’t require as much cooking time as dry beans.
Can I freeze this soup?
This soup freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce along with the other spices. For a smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely chopped) to the Instant Pot. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder to control the level of heat.
Pairs & Plates
This Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, serve it with brown rice or quinoa. Don’t forget to check out our collection of Desserts for the perfect sweet treat to complete your meal.
That’s a Wrap
This Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Soup is more than just a simple soup; it’s a celebration of flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s a testament to how easy it is to create delicious and nourishing meals in minutes. I hope this recipe becomes a weeknight staple for you and your family. For more hearty and healthy meal ideas, check out our Dinner recipes. Share your culinary creations and tag us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Happy cooking!
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