panera bread black bean soup recipe

4.5 from 1760 votes

This copycat Panera Bread black bean soup is smoky, rich, and full of flavor. It is a hearty vegetarian soup that is easy to make with canned black beans and a few simple spices.

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Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time35 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

3 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

4 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish

Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Diced avocado

Tortilla strips or chips

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

2Add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3Add the drained black beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

4Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer half the soup to a blender and blend, then return to the pot.

5Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla strips.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven

Wooden spoon

Immersion blender (or regular blender)

Measuring cups and spoons

Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, blend all of it. For a chunkier texture, blend only half. You can also use dry black beans, just cook them first until tender.

Watch Video Of How Panera Bread Black Bean Soup Recipe Works

This Panera Bread black bean soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a gathering with friends. It is healthy, filling, and tastes even better the next day. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Bread Black Bean Soup

1. Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can. You will need about 1 1/2 cups of dried black beans. Soak them overnight, then cook them in water or broth until tender before adding them to the soup. This will add about an hour of cooking time.

2. How do I make this soup spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno when you saute the onion. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce at the end. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Saute the onion and garlic in a pan first, then transfer everything except the lime juice to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Blend and stir in lime juice before serving.

4. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it is too thick.

5. Is this soup gluten free and vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free and vegan as written. Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten free. For a vegan garnish, skip the sour cream or use a dairy free version.

panera bread black bean soup recipe

The Best panera bread black bean soup recipe