Black bean soup is a delicious and nutritious soup that is popular in many cuisines around the world. It is made from dried black beans that are cooked until soft and then pureed to create a thick, creamy soup. Black bean soup is full of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. It has a rich, hearty flavor that makes it perfect for a main course or appetizer. While black bean soup can certainly stand alone as a meal, it is also excellent when paired with other dishes that complement and enhance its flavors. There are many options for tasty accompaniments that go well with black bean soup.
What are some quick answers to what is good with black bean soup?
Here are some quick suggestions for what to serve with black bean soup:
– Cornbread – The sweetness and crumbliness of cornbread complements the earthiness of the beans.
– Rice – White or brown rice adds substance and soaks up the soup.
– Tortilla chips – Crunchy chips scoop up the soup for a tex-mex inspired meal.
-Avocado – Creamy avocado slices on top or as guacamole add richness.
– Cheese – Grated cheddar or queso fresco give a delicious salty flavor.
– Salsa – Tomato salsa adds freshness and a hit of acidity to cut through the thickness of the soup.
– Sour cream – A dollop of tangy sour cream balances the spices.
– Lime wedges – Fresh lime juice brightens up the deep flavors.
Hearty Additions
If you want to turn your black bean soup into a more hearty and filling meal, consider pairing it with:
Meat
Adding some protein, like shredded chicken, chunks of ham, crumbled sausage, or bacon bits can give your soup a meaty boost. The saltiness and savoriness of the meat enhances the earthy beans.
Eggs
Top your steaming soup bowl with a fried, poached, or scrambled egg for extra creaminess and protein. The runny egg yolk mixes with the broth for added richness.
Quesadillas or Tacos
Warm tortillas stuffed with cheese, meat, peppers, and onions are an easy and tasty accompaniment. Dip the quesadillas or tacos into the soup for a perfect flavor pairing.
Chopped Vegetables
Add some freshness with crunchy chopped vegetables on top like radish, cabbage, cucumber, or jicama. The bright vegetables offset the heartiness of the soup.
Lighter Sides
If you are looking for lighter sides that won’t weigh down the meal, try:
Salad
A fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup. Spinach, kale, or arugula work well. Top with avocado, tomato, beans, corn, or onion for extra flavor.
Bruschetta
Crispy grilled bread brushed with garlic oil and topped with diced tomato makes a refreshing accompaniment. The sweet tomatoes pair perfectly with the earthy beans.
Green Vegetables
Steamed or sauteed greens like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or zucchini are nutritious options. Their bright green colors look beautiful next to the dark soup.
Cucumbers
Sliced cucumbers sprinkled with salt and pepper provide a refreshing, hydrating crunch. Pickling the cucumbers adds even more punch.
Soup and Salad Combinations
For a full meal, you can create an entree salad with black bean soup as an ingredient:
| Salad Type | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Taco Salad | Romaine lettuce, black bean soup, salsa, corn, avocado, tortilla chips, queso fresco |
| Southwestern | Mixed greens, black bean soup, grilled chicken, corn, red onion, cilantro |
| Mediterranean | Spinach, black bean soup, red bell pepper, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, hummus, pita chips |
| Asian | Cabbage, black bean soup, shredded carrot, mandarin oranges, almonds, rice noodles |
Dessert Pairings
Black bean soup makes for a savory, satisfying meal. Cleanse your palate after eating with a sweet dessert:
Fresh Fruit
The natural sweetness of fresh fruit is a perfect way to end your bean soup dinner. Try slices of mango, pineapple, melon, grapes, or apples.
Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies, crunchy biscotti, or rich Mexican wedding cookies complement the spices in the soup.
Churros
These fried dough pastries rolled in cinnamon sugar are a decadent Spanish-inspired dessert.
Tres Leches Cake
The sweet milky flavors of this Latin American soaked cake contrasts the earthy soup.
Flan
Creamy, smooth caramel custards have a lovely vanilla sweetness after the hearty main.
Cocktail Pairings
Enjoy a flavorful cocktail with your bean soup:
Michelada
This Mexican beer cocktail mixed with lime, spices, and tomato juice works well with the Latin American flavors.
Mojito
The refreshing mint and rum mojito will reinvigorate your palate after the hearty soup.
Margarita
A touch of sweetness from orange liqueur balances out the savory beans and spices.
Red Wine
A medium or full-bodied red, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz complements the deep flavors.
Cold Beer
Any pilsner, lager or stout beer can cleanse the palate after the creamy, peppery soup.
Conclusion
Black bean soup may be the star of the meal, but pairing it with complementary sides, salads, desserts and drinks makes it even more satisfying. With so many delicious options, from cornbread and salsa to churros and mojitos, you can create a flavorful meal that highlights the delicious flavors of black bean soup. Using hearty proteins, fresh vegetables, sweet fruits and treats, and full-flavored beverages allows you to balance out the earthiness of the beans. With the right combinations, black bean soup transforms from a humble starter to an incredible entree.