Black Bean Soup: Best Paired Cheeses For A Hearty Dish

Black bean soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that can be made in several ways, with or without meat. It is often seasoned with cumin, oregano, and coriander, and can be blended to achieve a creamy texture. This soup is commonly served with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.

When it comes to choosing a cheese to accompany black bean soup, a variety of options can be considered. Some popular choices include shredded cheddar cheese, Mexican blend cheese, or Colby Jack cheese. These cheeses can be sprinkled on top of the soup as a garnish or stirred into the soup for a creamy, cheesy touch.

Additionally, the soup's spiciness can be adjusted to personal preference by adding ingredients like chipotle chiles, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper. This creates a delightful contrast between the heat of the soup and the cool, creamy texture of the cheese.

So, whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer a milder taste, you can customize your black bean soup and cheese combination to suit your palate.

Cheddar cheese

A recipe for black bean soup from Allrecipes.com includes shredded Cheddar cheese as a garnish, along with sour cream. The recipe also includes chicken broth, cubed cooked ham, and vegetables including onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic.

Another recipe from the same site suggests serving the soup with "shredded cheese", as well as avocado, Greek yoghurt, or sour cream.

Sour cream

When serving black bean soup with sour cream, it is important to consider the other flavours and ingredients in the soup. For example, if the soup is already quite spicy, the coolness of the sour cream can help balance out the heat. Similarly, if the soup is already very thick, adding sour cream as a topping can make it even creamier.

Spices and aromatics

Aromatics are ingredients with strong fragrances that form the base of a dish. For black bean soup, aromatics include onion, carrot, and garlic. You can also add celery to this base. Cooking these ingredients in oil until they are tender will create a strong fragrance and flavour that will carry through the rest of the cooking process.

Spices are added to the aromatics to build depth of flavour. Cumin is a key spice in black bean soup, adding an earthy, Cuban flair. Oregano is another spice that works well with black beans, as well as coriander and cayenne pepper. For a smokier flavour, add chipotle chillies and adobo sauce. You can also add red wine vinegar or lime juice to taste.

Blending and thickening

Choosing a Blender

You can use either a handheld immersion blender or a standard blender to purée your soup. An immersion blender is convenient as it allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot. If you use a standard blender, be sure to work in batches and leave the hole in the lid open, covering it with a dish towel to allow steam to escape and prevent a mess.

Amount of Soup to Blend

For a thicker black bean soup, you don't need to purée the entire pot. Blending a portion of the soup and adding it back will give it a thicker, velvety consistency. The general rule is to blend a small amount first, then gradually add more until you achieve the desired texture. Remember, the more beans you purée, the more starch is released, which can make the soup sludgy.

Thickening Techniques

• Add an additional can of black beans. The extra beans will contribute to a thicker texture.
• Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of the soup broth and stir it back into the pot.
• Add heavy cream: Pour in a small amount of heavy cream to thicken the soup and give it a creamier texture.
• Red lentils: Adding red lentils to the soup will help thicken it as they break down completely during cooking.
• Potato: Adding a potato to the soup will contribute to a thicker consistency.

Adjusting Consistency

Keep in mind that black bean soup will continue to thicken as it sits and cools. If your soup becomes too thick, you can always add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency before serving.

Serving suggestions

Black bean soup is a hearty, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your black bean soup and impress your guests:

Cheesy Delight

Garnishing your black bean soup with cheese is a great way to add a creamy texture and a tangy flavor. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, as it pairs well with the soup's spices and beans. You can also try other cheeses such as Colby Jack or a Mexican blend, which melts well and adds a touch of convenience with its pre-shredded option.

Avocado and Sour Cream

Avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream can provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warmth of the soup. The avocado adds a fresh, buttery flavor and texture, while sour cream contributes a tangy twist. You can also try plain Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream.

Spicy Kick

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños or chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. These peppers will give your soup a nice smoky and spicy flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.

Crunchy Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch to your soup. You can crush them over the soup or serve them on the side for dipping. Homemade tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips are a great way to elevate this pairing.

Fresh Herbs and Citrus

Fresh herbs like cilantro add a bright, herbal touch to your soup. A squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the flavors and add a refreshing twist. If you want to get creative, you can even add some pickled onions or chopped green onions.

Side Dishes

Black bean soup goes well with a variety of side dishes. Cornbread, chicken quesadillas, beef empanadas, avocado salad, or homemade corn tortillas are all excellent choices. These sides add texture and flavor to your meal, making it even more enjoyable.

Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to create a unique and delicious black bean soup experience!

Frequently asked questions