Description
A hearty, one-pot vegetarian soup that captures the flavors of stuffed peppers with brown rice, black beans, and warm spices. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice, uncooked
- 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice the onion and bell peppers, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the bell peppers and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and coriander. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the uncooked brown rice. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid (slightly ajar), and simmer for 30-40 minutes until rice is tender and soup has thickened.
- Stir in the drained black beans and heat through for 2-3 minutes. For thicker soup, mash a cup of beans against the side of the pot.
- Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Stir in fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
Notes
Brown rice takes time to cook; do not rush it on high heat. Toasting spices in oil enhances flavor. Fresh lime juice is crucial for brightness. The soup thickens as it sits; add broth or water when reheating. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 9
- Protein: 12
Keywords: vegetarian soup, stuffed pepper soup, brown rice soup, one pot meal, healthy dinner, gluten-free, freezer friendly, weeknight dinner