📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, dice them as well.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Chipotle Peppers: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavors.
4. Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes: Add the black beans (drained and rinsed), diced tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Dont forget to remove the bay leaf before the next step.
6. Blend for Texture: Carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids to avoid splattering.
7. Combine and Season: Pour the blended soup back into the pot with the remaining soup. Stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You may need to add more salt than you think, so taste and adjust accordingly.
8. Prepare the Avocado Crema: While the soup is simmering, prepare the avocado crema. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste. If you like, add a touch of jalepeno for a kick.
9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the spicy black bean soup into bowls. Top with a generous dollop of avocado crema, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also add other toppings like tortilla chips, crumbled cotija cheese (if not vegan), or a drizzle of hot sauce.
10. Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the delicious, spicy, and creamy flavors of your homemade black bean soup!