Making Your Black Bean Soup as Thick & Hearty as You Like It

A big bowl of black bean soup makes for such a satisfying, nutritious meal. The protein-rich beans joined with aromatic vegetables and spices create a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly days. But sometimes this flavorful soup can end up thinner than you’d like. If you prefer your black bean soup thick and stew-like, no worries – there are easy ways to thicken it up!

In this article, we’ll explore several methods for thickening and adding body to black bean soup. From blending techniques to starch and dairy additions, you’ll learn how to adjust your soup’s texture to match your preferences. Let’s dive in!

Start With Well-Cooked Beans

The first step for thick black bean soup is making sure your beans are fully cooked Undercooked bean have a firm, crunchy texture that doesn’t break down to thicken and add body to the surrounding broth

Canned beans won’t have this issue. But if using dried beans make sure to soak and simmer them sufficiently until very soft and tender all the way through. The long cooking allows the bean skins to soften completely and their starch to seep into the broth for a thicker result.

Blend a Portion of the Beans

One of the easiest and healthiest ways to thicken bean soup is by blending or mashing a portion of the cooked beans right in the soup pot.

Using an immersion blender, pulse about one quarter to one third of the bean mixture until smooth and creamy. This works to break down the bean skins and release their natural starches and thickeners into the surrounding broth.

For even more richness, you can also blend in a spoonful or two of olive oil or butter when blending. The added fat helps create an emulsion for a creamier, heartier soup texture.

Blend in Starchy Vegetables

In addition to the beans, blending up starchy soup vegetables like potatoes or winter squash can add considerable thickness and richness.

When using potatoes, peel and dice them small so they’ll cook through completely. Then blend or mash them partially or fully once tender. With winter squash like butternut or kabocha, scoop the cooked flesh off the skin before blending it in. The starch released from these veggies as they break down will give your soup next-level thickness.

Purée the Entire Soup

Puréeing the entire soup is an easy shortcut to supreme thickness. Once the beans are cooked through, simply blend the entire soup – beans, veggies, and all – until fully smooth and uniform.

This leaves none of those whole beans or vegetables, giving you an ultra-thick, smooth soup with a velvety texture. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more broth until just right.

Just take care not to overblend, as this can cause the beans to become gummy. Pulse and blend in short intervals for the best texture.

Sprinkle in Flour

One of the quickest ways to thicken bean soup is by sprinkling in some flour while cooking. Start with 1-2 tablespoons flour and add more if needed.

Whisk the flour first into a cup of room temperature broth from the soup until smooth. Then gradually whisk this mixture back into the soup pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flour to fully thicken the surrounding broth.

All-purpose flour works great, or you can use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just be sure to cook the flour long enough to eliminate any raw taste.

Finish with Roasted Garlic

Here’s a deliciously easy trick for adding richness – stir in some roasted garlic!

Roasting whole garlic bulbs until they’re meltingly soft and caramelized helps bring out their natural sweetness. When blended into bean soup, the roasted garlic offers smooth texture and savory flavor that enhances the soup’s thickness.

Mix in Cream or Coconut Milk

For a luscious, velvety thickness, you can stir in some dairy or coconut milk at the end of cooking. Heavy cream, half and half, and full fat coconut milk all provide creamy richness and body.

Start with just a splash and add more to reach your desired consistency. You’ll also benefit from the extra flavor these ingredients provide. Just be aware that dairy-based options can curdle if added before the soup is done cooking.

Finish with Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes might seem like an odd addition, but it’s a clever way to ramp up your black bean soup thickness. Prepare the mashed potatoes separately however you like them best.

Then simply stir dollops of the finished mashed potatoes into the simmering soup until fully incorporated and heated through. The starch and creaminess from the potatoes guarantee your soup becomes mega thick and velvety. Kids will love this trick too!

Add in Cooked Grains

Cooked grains like rice, barley, or farro stirred into the finished soup will give it more body and a heartier overall texture. Opt for starchy short grain rice varieties for the biggest thickening effect.

Cook the grains fully in broth or water first before adding them to the soup. The starch released as they hydrate and soften boosts the soup’s thickness considerably while also adding nutrition.

Finish with Pureed Beans

Here’s a neat trick – swirl in extra creamy pureed beans at the end for added thickness. Cook some beans separately until very tender. Then mash or blend them with broth into a smooth paste.

Stir a few big spoonfuls of this luxuriously smooth bean puree into your pot of soup just before serving. The velvety texture integrates beautifully for next-level thickness. Adjust the amount to suit your perfect soup consistency.

Simmer the Soup Longer

Don’t underestimate the power of simmering! Letting your soup simmer gently for an extra 30-60 minutes with the lid off helps reduce and thicken the broth naturally.

As the soup cooks, water evaporates from the surface, concentrating the flavors and ingredients. Just keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking. This hands-off approach lets you achieve the ideal rich, thick soup texture.

So there you have 11 techniques for thickening up your black bean soup beautifully. From cooking methods to handy ingredients, you can easily achieve a texture that’s as stew-like, velvety, or hearty as you crave. Adjust the thickness at the end or as you reheat leftovers for customized perfection. Enjoy your new favorite thick and creamy black bean soup!