This easy Vegan Black Bean Soup made from dried soaked black beans is a delicious plant-based Instant Pot meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 45 minutes
  • Total time: 110 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex Mex

Ingredients

  • 1 cup black beans (soaked overnight or at least 1/2 hour in hot water)
  • 1 tsp oil (or 2 tbsp broth)
  • 1/2 large onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp chili powder blend or 1/2 tsp chipotle pepper or both
  • 3/4 to 1 tsp salt
  • 15 oz can diced tomato
  • 2.5 cups water/broth mixture, (3 cups for soupy)
  • Lime juice
  • cilantro (avocado, pepper flakes for garnish)

Method

  1. Soak the black beans if you haven't already while you prep ingredients and start cooking.
  2. Start the IP on saute. Add oil, onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt and cook until translucent. Deglaze with broth if needed. Add the spices and salt and mix in.
  3. Add tomato and mix in and cook for a minute.
  4. Add the drained beans and water/broth and mix really well to pick up any stuck bits.
  5. Close the lid. Pressure cook for 35 mins. (40 mins if you didn't soak the beans overnight)
  6. Pressure cook for another 10 mins if the beans are not done to preference.
  7. Add lime juice, taste and adjust salt and flavor. Blend 2 cups of the soup and mix it in. Bring to a boil and serve.
  8. Store: Refrigerate up-to 4 days

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.