Ham Black Bean Soup Lime Cilantro (Printable)

Smoky ham and black beans blend with lime and cilantro flavors for a vibrant, comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 cups cooked ham, diced

→ Legumes

02 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 large green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 large carrot, diced
08 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Liquids

11 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
17 - Salt to taste

→ Finishing & Garnish

18 - Juice of 2 limes plus lime wedges for serving
19 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

# Method:

01 - Heat a large soup pot over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add diced onion, bell pepper, celery, carrot, and jalapeño. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced ham to the pot and stir occasionally for 3 minutes.
04 - Mix in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to activate the spices.
05 - Add black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. For creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or transfer 2 cups to a blender, puree, and return to pot.
07 - Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Smoky and Savory: The combination of diced ham and smoked paprika creates a rich, complex flavor base.
  • Nutritious: This soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from the black beans and fresh vegetables.
  • Zesty Finish: A splash of fresh lime and cilantro adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the hearty beans.
02 -
  • Rinse Your Beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans to better control the sodium levels and ensure a clean-tasting broth.
  • Bloom Your Spices: Cooking the cumin, paprika, and tomato paste for a minute before adding liquids unlocks their full aromatic potential.
  • Fresh Lime is Key: Adding the lime juice at the very end ensures the citrus flavor remains vibrant and cuts through the smokiness of the ham perfectly.
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