Lavender and Salt Seasoned Black Bean Soup Recipe

Elevating a Classic Bean Soup with Floral and Herbal Notes

Black beans make for an incredibly versatile pantry staple. Packed with protein, fiber and essential nutrients, they form the base of many classic Latin American and Southwestern dishes. While you can't go wrong with traditional preparations, black beans also handle creative augmentations quite well. Case in point? This unique salt and lavender black bean soup recipe.

Introducing An Unexpected Flavor Combination

Lavender may strike you as an unconventional ingredient for soup. More associated with perfumery and aromatherapy than cooking, people are often surprised by how well it pairs with certain foods. The floral, slightly sweet and woodsy notes lend themselves nicely to bean-based dishes. When coupled with creamy potatoes, savory vegetables and bold Southwestern seasonings, you get a spectacularly flavored black bean soup.

Building Depth of Flavor

This aromatic vegetable soup starts by sauting a classic mirepoix Trinity of onions, carrots and celery. Garlic joins next before introducing the dried lavender buds. Cooking the lavender briefly helps release and boost its essence. Cumin, coriander and mild ancho chile powder contribute warmth without an overpowering kick of heat. Tomato paste adds additional umami richness.

Creamy Bean and Vegetable Base

After cooking the spices and aromatics, its time to add in broth and vegetables. Hearty cubed red potatoes provide creaminess along with body. Bright corn kernels and green peas add pops of color and more depth of flavor. Finally, cooked black beans incorporate into the mix, absorbing the surrounding seasonings.

Step-By-Step Instructions

With a roster full of nourishing ingredients, this unique take on bean soup makes for a highly satisfying meal. Follow these easy steps to create the perfect pot:

Ingredients Youll Need

Making a large batch allows enjoying generous helpings now with plenty left to freeze:

• Olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried culinary lavender
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1-2 tsp ancho chile powder
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 lbs red potatoes, cubed
• 3 cups cooked black beans
• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned
• 1 cup peas, frozen or canned
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt
• Cilantro
• Dairy or vegan yogurt

Simple Stovetop Instructions

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this richly flavored soup:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and dried lavender buds. Cook 1 minute more.
4. Mix in spices and tomato paste until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Raise heat to high, stir in broth and cubed potatoes.
6. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
7. Add black beans, corn kernels and peas.
8. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes more until potatoes are tender.
9. Take off heat and blend until mostly smooth using an immersion blender.
10. Stir in lime juice and season to taste with salt.
11. Garnish bowls with cilantro and a dollop of yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

This soothing, warming soup makes for a great cool weather lunch or dinner. Consider these serving ideas:

Bread and Starches to Accompany

Round out the meal with a hearty whole grain like:

• Warm corn bread
• Jasmine rice
• Quinoa
• Soft flour tortillas
• Crusty baguette

Protein to Add More Nutrition

For extra sustenance, incorporate additional protein with:

• Shredded chicken
• Crumbled chorizo
• Diced avocado
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Chopped roasted peanuts

Savory Garnishes

Finish things off with some crunchy, flavor-boosting toppings:

• Sliced radishes
• Diced red onion
• Seeded and diced jalapeo
• Fried corn tortilla strips
• Crunchy pepitas

Storing and Freezing for Future Enjoyment

A pot this size yields around 2 quarts of finished soup. With 8 cups per quart, that gives 16 hearty servings. Fortunately, the recipe also freezes exceptionally well so you can enjoy it for months.

Storage in the Refrigerator

Kept in an airtight container, the soup will last 5-7 days refrigerated. Let cool completely before covering and placing in the fridge.

Long Term Freezing

For enjoying months down the road, transfer measured portions into freezer bags or containers, leaving 12 inch of headspace. Flatten bags to remove excess air. Label bags with contents and date. Frozen properly, the soup keeps 6 months.

Reheating Your Creation

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating. Or run your sealed frozen container under cool water, replacing water every few minutes until thawed enough to pop into a pot to reheat. Simmer on the stovetop, stirring regularly, adding water or broth to thin if needed.

With its comforting texture and delightful infusion of floral lavender notes, this unique bean soup makes for a truly memorable meal. The easy preparation, ability to customize servings, and freezer friendly status elevate its practicality as well. In other words, the perfect wintertime soup to stock your kitchen with!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.