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Black bean soup
🍲 Black Bean Soup – A Bowl Full of Bold, Hearty Flavour
Let’s take a moment to savour the deep, earthy goodness of Black Bean Soup—a dish that’s humble in ingredients but rich in tradition and taste. This hearty favourite has long held its place on elegant menus and home tables alike, proving that simple can still be spectacular.
One of the most famous versions was served at the Bull and Bear Restaurant in New York City’s legendary Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where it became a refined comfort dish topped with chopped eggs, onions, and a splash of sherry. But its roots reach further, blending New World ingredients with Old World technique.
🧅 Rich, Rustic, and Refined
At its core, black bean soup starts with slow-cooked black beans, simmered with aromatics like onions, garlic, and bay leaf until tender. From there, cooks often purée part (or all) of the soup to create a silky texture, while others leave it chunky and rustic.
To finish, it’s common to garnish with chopped hard-boiled eggs and onions—a throwback to its heyday at the Waldorf-Astoria—and just before serving, a small pour of dry sherry adds warmth and complexity.
Whether served as a starter or main course, black bean soup delivers rich, earthy flavour with every spoonful.
🌿 Did You Know?
The version at the Waldorf’s Bull and Bear was considered one of the hotel’s most iconic soups.
Black beans are naturally high in protein, fibre, and antioxidants, making this soup as nutritious as it is tasty.
In some Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, black bean soup is seasoned with cumin, citrus, or even smoked meats.
While traditionally meatless, it pairs beautifully with chorizo, ham hocks, or bacon for extra depth.
The sherry topping may seem fancy, but it’s simply there to balance the soup’s earthy base with a sweet, nutty lift.
🥄 A Comfort Dish That Travels Well
One of the best things about black bean soup is how adaptable it is. You can keep it vegetarian, spice it up with chilies, or stretch it into a full meal with rice and a slice of crusty bread. It freezes beautifully, reheats like a dream, and tastes even better the next day.
From city restaurants to countryside kitchens, black bean soup proves that a few well-chosen ingredients can create something truly soul-satisfying.
✨ In Closing
We hope you’ve enjoyed dipping into the bold, nourishing world of Black Bean Soup. Whether you serve it simply or elevate it with garnishes and sherry, this timeless dish continues to bring comfort and flavour to tables around the world. Try it once—and it might just become your new favourite classic.
