Imagine a soup so rich, so deeply satisfying, that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Our Smoky Black Bean and Corn Chowder isn't just another recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the hearty warmth of Mexican-inspired cuisine with a smoky twist that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something comforting yet nutritious, this chowder promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of smoked cumin, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped green onions for garnish.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and starts to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the smoked cumin, allowing it to toast slightly in the pan for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to the surface. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the drained and rinsed black beans and corn kernels to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chowder simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
- After the chowder has simmered, taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the chowder directly in the pot, or transfer a portion to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
- Once the chowder reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions on top for added freshness and flavor.
Tips
- Toast Your Cumin: The secret to an incredible depth of flavor is toasting the smoked cumin briefly in the pan. This releases its essential oils and intensifies its smoky profile.
- Don't Rush the Sauté: Take your time caramelizing the onions and garlic. Those extra few minutes develop a rich, sweet base for your chowder.
- Texture Matters: For a more rustic feel, leave the chowder chunky. For a creamier version, blend about half the soup to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Customize Your Garnish: While green onions are classic, try topping with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro for extra excitement.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 149kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
