Creating Easy Black Bean Soup is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices, allowing the flavors to bloom.
4. Incorporate the Beans: Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the pot, mixing them with the sautéed veggies and spices.
5. Pour in the Broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup while leaving some beans whole for texture.
8. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
9. Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving with lime wedges on the side.

With these steps, you’ll make a delicious pot of Easy Black Bean Soup effortlessly!