Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is a hearty, delicious soup. Years back, we used to get it from Panera bread as the kids started to like black bean soup. Over the years it had become one of the regulars in our home. Sometimes when we are busy, using the slow cooker version is easier. All you need is this simple recipe for a busy day. Come home to have dinner and relax. The beans need not be soaked at all. The prep work is also little and hardly takes 5-10 minutes. That's what I consider as the best for a busy or lazy day (yes, you need to have your lazy days too!). For this cold weather, this is one of the best options to come home and have a piping bowl of soup. Cheese quesadillas are a perfect pair for this soup.

Ashley is hosting the three-day event for National Slow Cooker Month Celebration. Today is the second day of the celebration, and I have already posted the Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna Soup for the event this year. This week is to celebrate all things slow cooker! 

Ingredients

Serves 4-6

Black beans - 1 cup, dried beans
Water - 4 cups
Bay leaf - 1 or 2
Oregano - 1 tsp
Salt 1.5 tsp
Serrano peppers - 1 or 2, finely chopped
Onions -  1cup, diced
Garlic - 3, finely chopped
Bell pepper - 1 cup, diced
Cumin - 1 tsp
Cayenne - 1 tsp
Cumin powder - 1 tsp
Oil - 1 tsp

Cilantro - 1 or 2 tbsp (for garnish)

For topping (optional)

Avocado or guacamole

Sour cream

Tortilla chips

Method

Add everything to the slow cooker. Add 4 cups of water. Set in high mode for 7-8 hours. 

Mash the beans a little. Adjust the salt if needed. If you want a little thinner soup to add a little water and mix. Add the cilantro. Ladle into bowls, top with avocado, sour cream, and/or tortilla chips. Serve hot black bean soup.

Welcome to our #NationalSlowCookerMonth Celebration! This week we are celebrating all things slow cooker! We have delicious recipes from across the country to fill your meal plans with delicious slow cooker recipes! Thanks, Ashley!

• Slow Cooker Saucy Pork Chops from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Simple Slow Cooker Breakfast Pizza from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Slow Cooker Blackbean Soup from Magical Ingredients (You are here!)
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes from Kathryn's Kitchen Blog
• Spicy Apricot Chicken Thighs from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Spicy Cheese Dip from Blogghetti
• Slow Cooker Chicken Gyro Bowl from The Spiffy Cookie
• Spicy Mexican Cerveza Beef from Palatable Pastime
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup from Our Crafty Mom