# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
→ Beans and Liquids
06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 4 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
14 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Lime Crema
16 - 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
17 - Zest of 1 lime
18 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
19 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnishes
20 - Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
21 - Sliced jalapeños (optional)
22 - Lime wedges (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper; cook for 2 additional minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes to toast and activate spices.
04 - Add black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
05 - Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until sweet potatoes are completely tender.
06 - Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup in the pot for a creamy texture while maintaining some chunks for body. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups to a blender, puree, and return to the pot.
07 - While soup simmers, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
08 - Taste soup and adjust seasoning as necessary with additional salt and pepper.
09 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top each portion with a dollop of lime crema and desired garnishes.
