Discover the ultimate recipe for a comforting and nutritious Instant Pot Black Bean Soup, a dish that redefines convenience without compromising on flavor or health. This versatile soup is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, hearty, and wholesome meal. Utilizing the efficiency of a pressure cooker, we transform dried black beans into a rich, velvety soup in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. Whether you’re a devoted vegetarian, follow a vegan diet, or simply embrace plant-based eating, this recipe offers a simple yet profoundly satisfying experience. Imagine recreating the beloved robust flavors of your favorite cafe-style black bean soup, like Panera’s, right in your own kitchen – but even better, and remarkably easy.
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This recipe was first published in 2019 and has been comprehensively updated to provide the most current tips, insights, and optimized instructions for an even better cooking experience. While the full recipe card is located at the end of this article, we encourage you to read through the entire post for valuable information, cooking insights, and serving suggestions that will elevate your black bean soup to new heights.
The Magic of Instant Pot Soups
There’s a special kind of comfort that comes with a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s prepared effortlessly in an Instant Pot. As a passionate advocate for pressure cooking, I often find myself turning to my Instant Pot for a wide array of delicious soups. From creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup to nourishing Instant Pot Split Pea Soup, and the ever-popular Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, these one-pot wonders consistently deliver incredible flavor with minimal fuss. The pressure cooker truly excels at melding ingredients and developing deep, rich tastes that typically require hours of simmering on the stovetop.
Beyond its prowess with classic soup recipes, the Instant Pot is also a revelation for cooking dried beans. Traditional bean recipes often call for an overnight soak, a step that, while effective, requires foresight and planning. The Instant Pot completely eliminates this necessity, transforming the process into a spontaneous cooking adventure. This “no-soak” method is a true game-changer, making healthy, fiber-rich meals incredibly accessible even on the busiest weeknights. If you’re looking to explore more bean recipes with your Instant Pot, be sure to check out my guides for Instant Pot Black Beans, Instant Pot Baked Beans, and Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice. Beans are nutritional powerhouses, packed with essential fiber and protein, making this black bean soup an ideal choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone participating in #MeatlessMonday.
Table of Contents
How to Make Black Bean Soup in Instant Pot
Preparing this flavorful black bean soup in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to achieve a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. The process begins with building a robust flavor base, followed by the simple act of combining all ingredients and letting the pressure cooker do its work. Here’s a quick overview of the essential steps:
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by sautéing your diced onions, vibrant red peppers, and a touch of jalapeño in olive oil directly in the Instant Pot. This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavors of the soup. Once fragrant and softened, introduce the minced garlic for an extra layer of aromatic richness.
- Combine Ingredients: After the aromatics are perfectly fragrant, add the rinsed dried black beans, vegetable broth, chopped celery, diced tomatoes, a medley of seasonings, and a bay leaf to the pot. These ingredients will transform into a rich and hearty soup under pressure.
- Seal and Cook: Give everything a good stir to ensure it’s well combined. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the pressure cook function.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Allow the Instant Pot to work its magic, transforming the unsoaked beans into tender, flavorful soup. The magic of pressure cooking ensures that even dried beans become wonderfully soft without requiring any prior soaking.
Do You Have to Soak Black Beans for the Instant Pot?
One of the most remarkable benefits of using an Instant Pot for this black bean soup, and indeed for most dried bean recipes, is the complete elimination of the need for overnight soaking. This convenience is truly a game-changer for spontaneous meal planning and drastically cuts down on preparation time.
When using an Instant Pot, simply rinse your dried black beans thoroughly under cold water. As you rinse, take a moment to inspect them and pick out any small stones, chipped beans, or other imperfections. Once cleaned, they are ready to go directly into the pressure cooker with the rest of your ingredients. The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot effectively breaks down the bean fibers, allowing them to soften and cook evenly without the traditional soaking step.
While soaking is not necessary, some home cooks still prefer to pre-soak their beans, believing it can lead to a slightly creamier texture or reduce cook time. If you do opt to soak your beans overnight, you might find that the pressure cooking time can be reduced slightly, but it’s important to note that the delicious, tender results of this Instant Pot black bean soup are achieved perfectly well with unsoaked beans.
Cook Time and How Long to Cook Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Achieving perfectly tender black beans and a rich, well-developed soup in your Instant Pot is all about the right cook time. For this recipe, we recommend a pressure cooking duration of 50 minutes. This precise timing ensures that the unsoaked dried black beans become wonderfully soft and creamy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the accompanying vegetables and spices.
Once the 50-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, it’s crucial to allow the steam to release naturally for at least 15 minutes. This natural release (NPR) is an integral part of the cooking process for beans. It allows the pressure inside the pot to decrease gradually, preventing the beans from bursting and ensuring an even, tender texture. Furthermore, the residual heat continues to cook the beans gently, contributing to a thicker and more cohesive soup. After the 15 minutes of natural release, you can then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure before carefully opening the lid.
How to Add Meat to Your Black Bean Soup
While this Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is a fantastic vegetarian and vegan dish on its own, it also serves as an excellent base for adding various meats to enhance its flavor and heartiness. Incorporating meat can add a smoky depth or a savory richness that complements the robust black beans beautifully. The key is to add the meat at the beginning, allowing it to pressure cook alongside the beans and vegetables, infusing the entire soup with its essence.
Consider these delicious options for a meat-infused black bean soup:
- Ham Hocks: A classic choice for bean soups, ham hocks will impart a deeply savory and smoky flavor. Their collagen also helps to thicken the soup naturally.
- Bacon: Pre-cooked and crumbled bacon can be added with the other ingredients, or even better, render the bacon first in the Instant Pot, then use the rendered fat to sauté your aromatics for an extra layer of flavor before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Smoked Turkey: For a lighter but still flavorful option, smoked turkey (such as a leg or wing) can provide a wonderful smoky aroma and taste.
- Leftover Ham Bone: If you have a ham bone from a previous meal, don’t let it go to waste! Adding it to the soup will extract every last bit of flavor, resulting in an incredibly rich and satisfying broth.
Simply add your chosen meat along with the beans, broth, and seasonings at the initial stage of cooking, and the Instant Pot will ensure it’s perfectly tender and flavorful by the time the soup is ready.
How Many Carbs in Black Bean Soup?
For those mindful of their carbohydrate intake, black bean soup offers a nutritious option. This particular Instant Pot Black Bean Soup contains approximately 42 grams of total carbohydrates per serving. What’s excellent about black beans, however, is their high fiber content. Of those 42 grams of carbohydrates, a significant 22 grams are dietary fiber. This abundant fiber is not only beneficial for digestive health but also reduces the “net carbs” of the dish. Therefore, this black bean soup provides around 20 net carbs per serving, making it a viable and satisfying choice for many dietary plans. Always remember that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Freezer Tips for Black Bean Soup
One of the many advantages of homemade black bean soup is its excellent freezer-friendliness, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping. Soups, particularly bean-based varieties, tend to freeze exceptionally well without significant changes in texture or flavor upon reheating. This means you can easily double or triple the recipe to ensure you always have a wholesome, ready-made meal on hand for busy days.
To freeze your Instant Pot Black Bean Soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before portioning. Transfer the cooled soup into airtight freezer-safe containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or specialized freezer soup molds. Leaving a small amount of headspace in containers is crucial, as liquids expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost the soup – ideally overnight in the refrigerator – and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warm. Avoid freezing any fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro; these should always be added just before serving for the best taste and texture. This simple storage method makes enjoying delicious, homemade black bean soup incredibly convenient anytime you crave it.
Delicious Topping Ideas for Black Bean Soup
Transform your Instant Pot Black Bean Soup from simple to spectacular with a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also introduce complementary textures and tastes that elevate every spoonful. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy, tangy contrast that perfectly balances the rich, savory notes of the soup. For a vegan option, use a plant-based sour cream alternative.
- Sliced or Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or cubes bring a luxurious texture and a mild, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy beans. It’s also packed with healthy fats!
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro adds a burst of vibrant, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.
- Shredded Cheese: A generous helping of shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend cheese will melt delightfully into the warm soup, adding a savory, gooey dimension. For a dairy-free option, explore plant-based shredded cheeses.
- Pickled or Fresh Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños offer a spicy kick and a tangy crunch. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is a game-changer. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the soup, invigorating the flavors and leaving a refreshing finish.
Don’t hesitate to mix and match these toppings to create your perfect bowl of black bean soup!
What to Eat and Pair with Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes, creating a complete and satisfying meal. Its rich, hearty nature makes it an excellent centerpiece, and the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delectable pairing ideas:
- Fresh Bread or Cornbread: A warm, crusty bread or a slice of sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of this flavorful soup.
- Tortilla Chips: For a delightful crunch and extra texture, serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips, perfect for dipping.
- Rice Dishes: Complement the soup with a light and flavorful rice dish. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice offers a low-carb alternative that adds a zesty freshness, while traditional white or brown rice can provide a comforting base.
- Taco Bowls: For a Mexican-inspired feast, serve the soup alongside Keto Low-Carb Taco Bowls. The flavors are highly complementary, creating a diverse and exciting meal.
- Braised Meats: If you’re looking to add a heartier protein component, consider serving the soup with tender, slow-cooked meats like Instant Pot Barbacoa. The spicy, savory notes of barbacoa beautifully contrast the earthy sweetness of the black beans.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich soup, adding freshness and balance.
No matter your preference, this black bean soup is a flexible dish that can be tailored to complement a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.
More Instant Pot Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of Instant Pot soups, you’re in for a treat! The pressure cooker is truly a versatile tool for creating a wide variety of delicious and comforting soups. Here are some more of my favorite Instant Pot soup recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen:
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
- Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
- Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Each of these recipes showcases the Instant Pot’s ability to create deeply flavorful dishes with minimal effort, making healthy and delicious meals accessible even on the busiest days. Dive in and explore the full potential of your pressure cooker!
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Recipe Summary
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is a quick, pressure cooker, vegetarian recipe using dried black beans. This vegan plant-based dish is simple to make using unsoaked beans that results in a thick and hearty, healthy soup. Make your favorite Panera soup right at home.
Recipe Details
- Author: Brandi Crawford
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Course: Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 190 kcal
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Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Freezer Soup Molds
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped red pepper
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ jalapeno pepper chopped (omit if you do not wish to have spicy, add more if you really like a kick!)
- 3 chopped celery ribs
- 1 pound black beans (rinsed)
- 6 cups broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (omit if you do not wish to have spicy)
- 1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste (I like to go light on salt and pepper before the soup cooks and add more to taste after it has cooked.)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Place the Instant Pot on Saute function. When hot, add the olive oil, onions, red peppers, and chopped jalapeno to the pot.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add in the garlic and stir. Turn off the saute function.
- Add the beans, broth, tomatoes, celery, seasonings, and bay leaf to the pot and stir.
- Close the lid and seal. Cook for 50 minutes on Manual > High Pressure Cooking.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, allow steam to release naturally for 15 minutes.
- The soup will thicken as it stands.
Notes
If you want pureed soup, when the soup has finished cooking you can finish it off using an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 190 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 4g
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.