Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup
Recipe courtesy of Amy Stevenson for Food Network Kitchen

Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 1 hr
  • Active: 20 min
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
This hearty vegan soup conjures up the flavors of Spain in a bowl. The smoked paprika (aka pimenton) gives it a deep savory taste that anyone -- even your favorite omnivore -- will enjoy. We like water as the base of this soup because it lets the flavors of the vegetables shine through. While it's optional, the drizzle of sherry vinegar at the end adds a brightness that takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes.
  2. Make a space in the middle of the pot and add the tomato paste, garlic, smoked paprika and coriander. Cook this mixture in that spot, stirring, until the tomato paste darkens a shade or two, about 1 minute, then stir into the vegetables. Add 12 cups water and the bay leaves. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced slightly, about 15 minutes. 
  3. Add the sweet potatoes and black beans. Continue to simmer rapidly until the vegetables are very tender and the soup is thick and flavorful. 20 to 30 minutes more. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the parsley. Season with additional salt, as needed. Ladle into soup bowls and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and 3 to 4 drops of sherry vinegar per bowl if using.