Black Bean Soup with Chunky Raita

Indulge in the flavorsome symphony of black bean soup, a tantalizing dish that blends the bold richness of beans with the refreshing tang of chunky raita.

Ingredients for Black Bean Soup:

- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Chunky Raita:

- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cucumber, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste

Instructions for Black Bean Soup:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook until softened.
4. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until beans are tender.

Instructions for Chunky Raita:

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Stir well to combine.

Assembly:

1. Serve hot black bean soup topped with a generous dollop of chunky raita.
2. Garnish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime.

Benefits of Black Bean Soup and Chunky Raita:

- Rich in nutrients: Black beans are excellent sources of protein, fiber, and iron.
- Anti-inflammatory: Raita, made with yogurt, provides probiotics that support gut health and reduce inflammation.
- Refreshingly light: The combination of warm soup and cool raita creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- Versatile: Black bean soup can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Indulge in the delectable flavors of black bean soup with chunky raita, a culinary masterpiece that satisfies both taste buds and nutrition needs.