You might be wondering what to serve with black bean soup to get the most out of this comforting meal. Your search for the perfect side dish is over. We’ve compiled a list of delicious accompaniments to serve with your black bean soup.
For centuries, black bean soup has been a staple in many cultures globally, particularly in Southern and Central American cultures. This dish is just irresistible, especially when garnished with sliced oranges as they do in Cuba. Slow-cooked to perfection, the moreish black bean soup is sure to make anyone’s day.
Traditional black bean soup is a rich and hearty dish perfect for a cold winter evening. The soup is typically made with black beans, onion, garlic, bell peppers, and spices such as cumin. And the beans create a deliciously creamy texture.
Black bean soup is most often served with rice or cornbread. And it’s often topped with sour cream or cilantro. This soup is sure to warm you up even on the coldest of nights.
Side Dishes For Black Bean Soup
Indeed, black bean soup is just perfect as a standalone meal for you to devour. But perhaps you’d like your soup to go further at your next family dinner. And as such, you might be wondering what to serve with black bean soup.
1. Rice
Rice is a staple in many cuisines around the world. And it’s an ideal accompaniment for black bean soup. The two dishes share several common flavors and textures, which helps to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The starchiness of rice contrasts with the creaminess of the black bean soup. And the subtle flavor of the rice compliments the bolder flavors of the black beans. Some people like to add a scoop of rice to their bowl of soup. While others prefer to mix everything together.
2. Cornbread
When it comes to deciding what to serve with black bean soup, bread will usually pop to mind. The inclusion of cornbread in the meal takes the soup to a whole new level. One of the benefits is that you can serve cornbread hot or cold.
The sweetness of the cornbread helps to offset the spiciness of the soup. And the rich flavor of the beans pairs well with the light, airy texture of the cornbread. The black bean soup can be used as a dip for the cornbread making for a tasty and convenient meal.
3. Crusty Bread
Crusty bread is another beloved side dish when serving any soup. Bread is the perfect medium to soak up all the great flavors of your soup. You can place a slice of bread in the bottom of a bowl and ladle the soup on top. Or you can dunk bits of bread into the soup to mop it up.
The rich, creamy soup is offset by the crunchy, crusty bread, while the hearty beans provide a filling contrast to the light bread. The earthy flavors of the black beans are a perfect counter to the slightly sweet flavor of the crusty bread.
4. Fried Paneer Cheese Pakora
Paneer cheese pakora is a dish made by marinating Indian paneer cubes in spices overnight, coated in batter, and deep-frying them. When looking for what to serve with black bean soup, this side dish offers a traditional and epic taste experience.
Fried paneer cheese pakora is similar to fried mozzarella sticks and is often served as an appetizer in Indian cuisine. When served with black bean soup, the richness of the soup is offset by the lightness of the fried cheese. And the spicy flavor of the soup is complemented by the milder taste of the paneer.
5. Tortillas
Tortillas are another great side dish to serve with black bean soup. They are a type of flatbread common in Mexican cuisine and are great for scooping up mouthfuls of black bean soup. And the soft, delicate texture of the tortilla contrasts nicely with the heartiness of the soup.
Additionally, the earthy, rich flavor of the black bean soup is enhanced by the addition of tortillas. Tortillas are also packed with fiber and protein, making them a perfect addition to any meal. For something a bit more decadent, fry some tortilla strips and use them as a topping for your soup.
6. Stuffed Baked Potato
Imagine the hearty goodness of a stuffed baked potato paired with a steaming bowl of black bean soup. Few dishes can compete with this combination when it comes to comfort food. The rich, creamy texture of the soup is the perfect foil for the fluffy potato. And the earthy flavor of the beans pairs perfectly with the potato’s savory toppings.
The contrasting textures and flavors balance each other perfectly, making for a satisfying meal. For the ultimate comfort food experience, top your stuffed potato with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Then enjoy every delicious bite.
7. Pita Bread
Pita bread is a soft, round flatbread that originates from the Middle East. Both pita bread and black bean soup both have an earthy flavor that makes them the perfect pair. And the fluffy pita bread makes for a nice contrast to the creamy and smooth soup.
The pita bread is also a good source of carbohydrates, which provides balance to the protein in the black bean soup. Tear your pita bread into pieces and add it to the soup or serve it on the side for dipping.
8. Roasted Broccoli
It’s no secret that roasted broccoli and black bean soup make a great pair. The slightly smoky flavor of the roasted broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy black bean soup. And the crispy, tender texture of the roasted broccoli is a perfect match for the smooth, creamy texture of the soup.
The hearty, filling black bean soup is offset by the light, healthy roasted broccoli. Simply scoop some black bean soup into a bowl and top it with a few pieces of roasted broccoli. For added flavor, grate some Parmesan cheese on your roasted broccoli just before serving.
9. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches and black bean soup are a classic combination for many reasons. The rich, creamy texture of the soup pairs perfectly with the crispy, crunchy grilled cheese. And the sharpness of the cheese cuts through the heartiness of the soup. At the same time, the soup helps to balance out the richness of the cheese.
You can opt to cut the sandwiches into small pieces and add them to the soup, making a hearty, filling meal. Or you could serve it on the side, letting each person dip their sandwich into the soup as desired.
Conclusion
Black bean soup is a delectable dish that you may serve on its own or with the accompaniments above. Give one of these excellent side dishes a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.