Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup

Warm up with this hearty Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup! It blends sweet, earthy flavors with smoky heat for a soul-warming dish. Minimal effort, maximum taste!

There’s something about a steaming bowl of soup that makes everything feel a little better.

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup is one of my favorites for those cooler evenings when you want something filling but also light and healthy.

The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, protein-packed black beans, and smoky spices hits all the right notes.

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how easy it is to make. You’re essentially throwing everything into one pot and letting it simmer to perfection.

The result is a soup that’s deeply flavorful, slightly spicy, and wonderfully nourishing. I’ve enjoyed it on its own, but it’s also great with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt or some freshly baked bread on the side. Try it with White Soda Bread or Wheaten Bread - they're both quick and easy no-yeast breads that will be ready when the soup is!

When you cook this, take your time sautéing the onions and spices at the beginning. That’s where the magic starts. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in flavor.

You’ll end up with a soup that’s layered with warmth, smokiness, spice and just a hint of sweetness.

Love hearty bean soups? Why not try Kale and White Bean Soup, Tomato White Bean Soup, Easy Mexican Bean Soup, or Cannellini Bean Soup.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage
• Top tips
• FAQ
• The Cuisine
• Sweet Potatoes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. It’s quick and easy—perfect for weeknight cooking.
2. Full of wholesome ingredients that are both satisfying and nutritious.
3. Versatile: you can adapt the spices, swap ingredients, or customize toppings.
4. Freezes beautifully, making it a great meal-prep option.
5. Deliciously spiced with a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that’s universally appealing.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, offering sweetness and creaminess.
• Black beans: Protein-packed and hearty.
• Chopped tomatoes: Adds acidity and balances the sweetness.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
• Onion: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
• Garlic: Adds depth and an aromatic kick.
• Ground cumin: Warm, earthy spice essential for that classic soup flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Brings smoky depth—a game changer.
• Dried red chili flakes: Adds a touch of heat (adjust to taste).
• Carrots: Sweet and hearty, they complement the sweet potatoes.
• Vegetable stock: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Water: Balances the stock and ensures the soup isn’t too rich.
• Salt and pepper: Brings out all the flavors.
• Lime juice: A bright, tangy finish.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Heat the oil in a large pan, then add the onion and fry for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika and dried chili flakes and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the carrots, sweet potatoes, vegetable stock, water, black beans and canned tomatoes.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.

Variations

1. Swap black beans for kidney or cannellini beans.
2. Add diced red bell peppers for extra sweetness.
3. Stir in a handful of spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for added greens.
4. Use chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika for extra heat and smokiness.
5. Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
6. Add roasted corn kernels for texture and a hint of smokiness.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado for a fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with crusty bread or cornbread.
2. Serve over cooked rice for a heartier meal.
3. Top with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.
4. Garnish with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
5. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or cotija cheese.
6. Serve with a side of guacamole and chips.
7. Pair with a simple green salad.
8. Add a poached or fried egg on top for a protein boost.
9. Add some vegetable fritters - try Brussels Sprout Fritters, Kale Fritters, or Cabbage Fritters.
10. Enjoy as a starter or main course for any occasion.

Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Make-Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

FAQ

The Cuisine

This soup draws inspiration from Southwestern flavors, known for their smoky spices, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables. It’s a blend of earthy, sweet, and slightly spicy notes that’s both comforting and bold.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

They have a naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with smoky and spicy ingredients, making them a favorite in soups, stews, and roasts.

Indigenous to the Americas, sweet potatoes have been a staple in many cuisines worldwide, prized for their adaptability and health benefits.

Try them in Sweet Potato Latte, Sweet Potato Muffins, Sweet Potato Cakes, or Sweet Potato Frittata.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!

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