Black Bean And Corn Soup Slow Cooker
Looking for a healthy and hearty meal that is easy to prepare? Try making black bean and corn soup in a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because you can set it up in the morning and let it cook all day while you go about your business. The result is a delicious and satisfying soup that is full of flavor and nutrition. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to making black bean and corn soup in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
To make this delicious soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of whole-kernel corn, drained
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or tortilla chips
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make black bean and corn soup in a slow cooker:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the beans are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you do not have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Just make sure to vent the blender lid or wait until the soup has cooled before blending.
- Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or tortilla chips (or all of the above!). Serve hot and enjoy!
Health Benefits
Black bean and corn soup is not only delicious but also healthy. It is a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Black beans are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect your body against inflammation and oxidative stress, while corn is a good source of complex carbohydrates and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium.
Variations
There are many variations of black bean and corn soup that you can try. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian or vegan option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the cheese and sour cream.
- Spicy version: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup to give it some kick.
- Meat lover's version: Add cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or pork to the soup.
- Southwestern version: Add a can of diced green chilies, a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a tablespoon of lime juice to the soup for a Southwestern twist.
Conclusion
Black bean and corn soup slow cooker is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With this recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious soup that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite toppings or trying different variations. So why not give it a try and see how easy and tasty it can be?