Sopa Negra Costarricense
A hearty and flavorful black bean soup, a staple in Costa Rican cuisine, often enriched with hard-boiled eggs and a touch of cilantro.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried black beans(soaked overnight and drained)
- 8 cups Water
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 red Bell pepper(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 4 large Hard-boiled eggs(halved or quartered, for serving)
- optional Sour cream or crema(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked and drained black beans with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until beans are tender.
- 2
While the beans are simmering, heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Once the beans are tender, carefully transfer about 2 cups of beans and their cooking liquid to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then return the puréed mixture to the pot with the remaining beans and liquid. This will thicken the soup.
- 5
Add the sautéed onion, bell pepper, and garlic mixture to the pot. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- 6
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with halved or quartered hard-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A dollop of sour cream or crema is a delicious optional addition.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a quicker version, you can use canned black beans (rinsed and drained), but the flavor will be less deep.
- ✓Don't skip the step of blending some of the beans; it's key to achieving a creamy texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water to reach your desired soup consistency.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cumin for a different flavor profile.
- Include a bay leaf while simmering the beans for added depth.
- Serve with a side of white rice.