Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Total: 1 hr
  • Active: 20 min
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.
Advertisement

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

Kosher salt

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 teaspoons smoked paprika (pimenton)

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

2 dried bay leaves

2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and chopped

Two 15.5-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Sherry vinegar, for serving, optional

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.  

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Kathryn

I had vegetarian friends for dinner and this soup was spectacular. They loved it! <br />I basically cooked it all day with an extra can of black beans and a few more shakes of Smoked Paprika. I will make this again for non- vegetarians! Delicious!!

See All Reviews