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How to Make Black Bean Soup When it is Chilly in Philly

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeStarr Realty RS143922A

 How to Make Black Bean Soup when it is chilly in Philly 

It is cold here on the East Coast, and a perfect time to make soup

Last week, I made a delicious sausage soup, which is out of this world, but I just found an old recipe that I have not made in many years, so I thought I would share the Black Bean Soup Recipe first, as the Sausage soup is in my head 

Black beans, carrots, celery, a large onion, and seasonings are simmered into this hearty soup. Bring out the delicious flavors with a splash of lime juice and a spoonful of yogurt, if desired, at serving, but it is not necessary 

Ingredients

      • 2 tablespoons olive oil

      • 1 large onion, diced

      • 1 carrot diced 
      • 2 stalks celery, diced
      • 3 cloves garlic, minced

      • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

      • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

      • 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

      • 3 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

      • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

      • Salt and black pepper, to taste

      • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional)

      Instructions

      1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.

      2. Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook 2 minutes until fragrant.

      3. (I also add cilantro and ginger, but that is my taste)
      4. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and broth.

      5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook, uncovered, for 30–45 minutes.

      6. (Blend partially or entirely, depending on your preferred texture)  I like mine chunky 

      7. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Serve hot.

      Tip: I also like to add a can of sweet, drained corn 

    1.  

      I also add that if the soup tastes slightly acidic from the tomatoes, add a small pinch of sugar or an extra splash of broth to balance it.

    I made this during the Ice Storm and added McCormick's taco seasoning, which turned out fantastic. 

     
    Nutrients Amount
    Total Calories 320
    Total Fat 7 g
    Saturated Fat 1 g
    Cholesterol 0 mg
    Sodium 437 mg
    Carbohydrates 50 g
    Dietary Fiber 20 g
    Total Sugars 4 g
    Added Sugars included 0 g
    Protein 17 g
    Vitamin D 0 mcg
    Calcium 144 mg
    Iron 6 mg
    Potassium 999 m

    You can add some corn chips on the side or in the soup   

Posted by

Hannah Williams is known throughout Philadelphia as HelpfulHannah – and if you’ve spent more than five minutes with her, you know exactly why. She’s an expert at anticipating people’s needs, she has a real feel for real estate, and she’s an accomplished problem-solver.

Hannah has been helping people buy and sell homes all over Philadelphia since 1984. Many of her clients purchased their first, second and even third homes with her expert help, and Hannah wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Comments(17)

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John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Hannah Williams thank you for sharing a delicious black bean soup recipe for a chilly day.

Dec 19, 2025 01:36 PM
Hannah Williams

John Pusa  I hope you try it - Happy Holiday 

Dec 21, 2025 11:26 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Hannah, that looks delicious, and may have to wait until I get back home.  It is 69 here in Bullhead City, AZ.

Dec 19, 2025 01:56 PM
Hannah Williams

Joan Cox  It is Chilly in Philly, that is for sure! enjoy your trip 

Dec 21, 2025 11:27 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Hannah,

This sounds like a hearty soup that I would like on a chilly day here in Austin TX. May have to wait a few weeks as it's 70 and will be 78 tomorrow!

Dec 19, 2025 02:15 PM
Hannah Williams

Dorie Dillard Austin TX  How I wish for those warm days - I have been to so many parties full of warmth but not temperature-wise - Happy Holiday 😃

Dec 21, 2025 11:30 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Hey Hannah, there is some might good stuff going on there. Great for the shortest day of year! Jeff

Dec 19, 2025 02:17 PM
Hannah Williams

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI  It is cold on the East Coast, hard to believe it is so warm elsewhere - Happy Holidays, Jeff

Dec 21, 2025 11:31 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Hannah this soup looks excellent.  I eat soup all year round, but I have not had black bean soup.

Dec 19, 2025 02:30 PM
Hannah Williams

George Souto   If you try it, I think you would enjoy it. Do you like burritos?  That is the what came to my mind except this is much better 

Happy Holidays ,George 

Dec 21, 2025 11:34 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hannah- I love soup and could eat it every day. And black bean soup is a favorite of mine. I'm saving this recipe to make after the holidays. 

Dec 19, 2025 07:39 PM
Hannah Williams

Kathy Streib Found this, and I haven't made it in years. Looking forward to making it. Happy Holiday, Kathy 😀

Dec 21, 2025 11:36 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That sounds tasty, but in bold I see that it has too many carbs for me to have for a meal, haha.

Dec 20, 2025 04:55 AM
Hannah Williams

Brian England  I think they are good carbs, only 320 calories -? 

Dec 21, 2025 11:38 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Black beans and sausage are always a yummy combination!

Dec 20, 2025 05:02 AM
Hannah Williams

Kat Palmiotti  I guess you could add sausage if you wanted to - if I did, it would be hot sausage 

Happy Holidays, Kat 

Dec 21, 2025 11:40 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Hannah... I can't remember the last time I had or made black bean soup, which I love. I've saved your recipe. By the way, I like to add a bit of sherry to mine.

Dec 20, 2025 05:56 AM
Hannah Williams

Nina Hollander, Broker  Sherry is a great idea, and I think Endre would add cognac - Happy Holiday - Nina 😄

Dec 21, 2025 11:41 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Hannah, always fun seeing what everyone’s cooking in The Rain. Enjoy the soup!

Dec 20, 2025 06:03 AM
Hannah Williams

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400  In this chilly weather, I tend to make a lot of soup because it is warm and nourishing, and it uses vegetables. Happy Holidays Sheila 

Dec 21, 2025 11:44 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Hannah - although I am not much of a "soup" person, I understand the importance of "comfort".   Food and in many sorts of other ways.  Stay warm (as possible) and cozy too.  

Dec 20, 2025 06:08 AM
Hannah Williams

Michael Jacobs Hello- The weather here is chilly, and staying warm with comforting food is helpful - Happy Holidays , Michael 😃

Dec 21, 2025 11:47 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

I made this during the Ice Storm and added McCormick's taco seasoning, which turned out fantastic. 

Dec 28, 2025 08:07 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

Thank you for the chili soup recipe, Hannah. I sent you a chat message on the zoom meeting today that said, "You look beautiful today!" I mean that.

Jan 06, 2026 03:04 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! This soup is delicious, you should try it! Thank you so much, I really did not feel it. It really means so much for you to say so! 

Jan 06, 2026 03:46 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Hannah. Thank your very much for posting this recipe. I will share it with Chef Dolores on Facebook.

Jan 07, 2026 07:38 AM
Hannah Williams

Roy Kelley If she uses the mccormic only use half  - the while seasoning is too much 

Jan 07, 2026 02:22 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Oh my gosh, Miss Hannah Williams  I am going to make this - and corn is a must. I will add fire-roasted corn.  All I need is celery ... and I will get that on Monday when I grocery shop. 

It is so cold here right now - 60 degrees (LOL), and soup is wonderful this time of year. 

Jan 10, 2026 09:23 AM
Hannah Williams

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist  We are getting a snowstorm, and I have stocked up on everything except my black beans. Tomorrow I am going out to get them and some corn chips 🙃

Jan 22, 2026 10:44 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Hannah Williams - your recipe is perfect this time of year for all the people who will be affected by the Winter Storms. I hope you will be spared. Flower Mound is scheduled to get hit hard until Monday. 

Jan 22, 2026 03:35 AM
Hannah Williams

Patricia Feager  I am not going out dancing Saturday night 🤨just in case the snow starts, but as I told Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist  I want to make sure I have black beans as this soup is so comforting when it is cold, and the spices are Hot - Stay warm, ,Patricia 

Jan 22, 2026 10:47 AM