Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

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Pumpkin Black Bean Soup combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with the hearty, earthy notes of black beans, all jazzed up with warm spices. It’s a cozy bowl of fall flavors with a hint of lime and cilantro! Perfect for dipping in some crunchy tortilla chips!

Overhead view of a bowl filled with Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

The other day, I was in line and caught a glimpse of a “Pumpkin Black Bean Soup” in a magazine. Even though I wasn’t able to look at the recipe too closely, it stuck with me. I mean, pumpkin and black beans together? Genius! So, I gave it a shot the next evening, and man, I’m hooked! It’s like the classic Black Bean Soup got a cozy fall makeover with the addition of pumpkin. Best part? It’s a breeze to whip up. We’re talking canned black beans and pumpkin puree – all the flavor, way less fuss!

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s rich with pumpkin and filling black beans, and spiced up just right. Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for a kick of freshness. And honestly, who needs spoons when you’ve got crunchy tortilla chips to scoop it up with?!

Assorted ingredients for this dish, including pumpkin, black beans, and various spices.

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup Ingredients

  • Olive oil: Go for extra virgin for enhanced flavor.
  • Yellow onion: Pick firm onions with smooth skin for freshness. For convenience, find pre-diced onions in the produce aisle.
  • Minced garlic: For speed, use jarred garlic; for a more potent kick, go with fresh cloves.
  • Paprika: For a deeper, smoky hint, opt for smoked paprika.
  • Ground cumin, garlic powder, and coriander: Adjust these seasonings according to your taste.
  • Black beans: Rinse the beans before adding to the soup. For a chunkier texture, consider an extra can.
  • Crushed tomatoes: Fire-roasted varieties add a smoky touch.
  • Vegetable stock/broth: Richer flavors come from homemade or premium brands.
  • Pumpkin: Use only pure pumpkin puree; avoid pumpkin pie filling with its extra sugars and spices.
  • Heavy whipping cream: The full-fat version yields a creamier and more balanced soup.

Step-by-step images showcasing the sautéing of onions, garlic, and seasonings, followed by the addition of broth, beans, pumpkin, and tomatoes, and simmering the mixture.

Soup Toppings for Pumpkin Black Bean Soup:

  • Lime juice: A splash of acidity brightens up the soup. Think about offering extra lime wedges on the side.
  • Cilantro: Adds a burst of vibrancy for those who like it. Not your thing? Skip it.
  • Tortilla chips: Go for the thick, restaurant-style ones; they’re perfect for dipping. Sometimes, we ditch the spoons and just dive in with chips!

VARIATIONS

  1. Protein: Add shredded chicken, ground turkey, or ground beef.
  2. More heat: Mix in finely diced jalapeños or some ground cayenne pepper.
  3. Grains: Stir in cooked quinoa or farro.
  4. Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of whipping cream.
  5. Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or diced carrots (sautéed along with the onion) or mix through frozen corn at the end.
  6. Cheese: Top bowls with extra-sharp Cheddar cheese.
  7. Garnish: Top with a creamy, ripe diced avocado.

Images depicting the addition of cream to the dish, followed by cilantro garnish.

How To Make Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

Here’s a quick overview of the process for making this soup:

  • Prep: Dice onion, mince garlic, rinse black beans.
  • Sauté: Heat oil, cook onions, add garlic and spices.
  • Combine: Add beans, tomatoes, stock, and pumpkin to the pot.
  • Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Finish: Stir in whipping cream and simmer for another five minutes.
  • Toppings: Add lime juice and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Overhead view of Pumpkin Black Bean Soup in a pot with a ladle scooping a serving.

What To Serve Alongside This Soup

Here are some of our favorite things to serve alongside this Pumpkin Black Bean Soup:

Overhead view of a bowl filled with Pumpkin Black Bean Soup, ready to be savored.

More Savory Pumpkin Recipes:

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Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

5 from 2 votes
Pumpkin Black Bean Soup combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with the hearty, earthy notes of black beans, jazzed up by warm spices. It's a cozy bowl of fall flavors with a hint of lime and cilantro! Perfect for dipping in some crunchy tortilla chips!
Overhead view of a bowl filled with Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
Print Recipe

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

Overhead view of a bowl filled with Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
5 from 2 votes
Pumpkin Black Bean Soup combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with the hearty, earthy notes of black beans, jazzed up by warm spices. It's a cozy bowl of fall flavors with a hint of lime and cilantro! Perfect for dipping in some crunchy tortilla chips!
Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegetarian
Keyword Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Chelsea Lords
Calories 425kcal
Cost $9.98

Equipment

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot (with a lid)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • cups finely diced yellow onion (1 large onion)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 2 teaspoons each: paprika and ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon each: ground coriander and garlic powder
  • Fine sea salt and pepper
  • 2 cans (15.5 oz each) black beans, drained & rinsed (Note 1)
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable stock/broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (Note 2)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (Note 3)
  • Optional: 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice; ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
  • For serving: tortilla chips or strips

Instructions

  • ONION: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden, about 5-7 minutes. It's important to take your time at this step as the onions won't soften much more later.
    Step-by-step images showcasing the sautéing of onions, garlic, and seasonings, followed by the addition of broth, beans, pumpkin, and tomatoes, and simmering of the mixture.
  • GARLIC and SEASONINGS: Stir in the garlic and all the seasonings. Season with salt and pepper. (I add 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper). Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
  • SIMMER: Pour in the black beans, tomatoes, vegetable stock, and pumpkin. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer (gently bubbling at edges). Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
    Images depicting the addition of cream to Pumpkin Black Bean Soup, followed by cilantro garnish.
  • FINISH: Remove lid, and stir in the cream. If using, add the fresh lime juice and cilantro. Mix through. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
  • ENJOY: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Accompany with tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Black beans: For a chunkier (less broth-y) texture, consider an extra can of beans. 
Note 2: Pumpkin: Use only pure pumpkin puree; avoid pumpkin pie filling with its extra sugars and spices.
Note 3: Heavy whipping cream: The full-fat version yields a creamier and more balanced soup flavor-wise.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 415mg | Potassium: 1039mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 6935IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 5mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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